March 2016 Favorites

The lineup for March is packed full of staples. To keep my skin hydrated throughout the last of the dry, winter days, there are plenty of rich, moisturizing products. There is also a cookbook that my husband and I have been testing out. With delicious, healthy recipes that have fortified us through the cold, this book has officially received our stamp of approval.

Hurraw! Vanilla Bean Lip Balm 

I keep this balm on my nightstand and apply a healthy layer just before going to sleep. It smells like cake and I wake up with silky, hydrated lips.

Pai Avocado & Jojoba Hydrating Day Cream

I use this cream as my morning moisturizer just before applying makeup. It absorbs quickly, leaves my skin feeling velvety soft, and has a citrusy, floral scent.

100% Pure Honey Almond Nourishing Body Cream

This lotion is thick and creamy with a deliciously sweet scent. I apply it straight out of the shower and can get dressed without worrying about being a greasy mess.

RMS Beauty Buriti Bronzer + Lip2Cheek in Smile

I fully embrace my porcelain skin, but the winter months can leave me looking like a ghost. I tap this bronzer on my temples, around my hairline, and lightly across the bridge of my nose to warm up my complexion. I then pop a generous amount of Smile on the apples of my cheeks for a nice pop of color.

At Home in the Whole Food Kitchen by Amy Chaplin

With inventive vegan and vegetarian recipes, my husband and I have been pulling inspiration from this book to spice up our normal meal rotation. We especially like the Whole Wheat Udon Noodle Salad and the Spicy Chickpea Stew. Yum!

What were your March favorites?

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The 2016 Spring Trends Edit

Spring is finally here! After a season filled with heavy foundations and rich jewel tones, I find that spring is the perfect time to lighten up. This year’s top makeup trends incorporate flashes of blue, statement lips, and flawless, glowing skin. Here are my clean product picks for a beautifully fresh and on-trend spring look:

Vapour Organic Beauty Stratus Luminous Instant Skin Perfector

I apply this straight from the stick to my forehead, chin, and nose. I then gently tap the product into my skin using my fingertips for a smooth, luminous base.

RMS Beauty“Un” Cover-Up

I bounce a thin layer of "Un" Cover-Up on as foundation using a Beauty Blender and then go back in with my fingers to conceal. This product melts into the skin for a lightweight, glowy finish that will leave your skin looking hydrated and healthy.

W3ll People Bio Brightener Stick

I have been loving this highlighter! It is luxuriously creamy and adds the perfect glow for a healthy, lit from within look. I use my fingers to apply a generous amount of this product to the tops of my cheekbones. It looks absolutely stunning when it catches the light! 

Lily Lolo Pressed Blush in Just Peachy

A pop of peach is a springtime staple. Using a fluffy brush, I apply a generous amount of this mineral blush to the apples of my cheeks. You can also use your blush as an eyeshadow if you are feeling particularly peachy. I recommend complimenting your peach shadow with a rich brown at the outer corners of your eyes and a champagne highlight at the inner corners. You can also blend your peach shade into the lower lash line for an added pop of color.

Ilia Beauty Pure Eyeliner in Nightclubbing

With bold, lasting color this pencil adds just the right amount of blue to make your look striking, yet still elegant and understated. This liner glides on easily and the consistency is quite smooth. Try adding this color to the waterline for a even more dramatic effect.

Ilia Beauty Tinted Lip Conditioner in Shell Shock

A statement lip doesn’t always have to be crimson. Try a moisturizing coral shade for a fresh look that will easily transition from spring to summer. I apply this beautiful, sheer coral shade straight from the bullet.

Yarok Feed Your Shine Serum

Nourish your locks with this serum that adds a gorgeous glossy shine while protecting your hair from the damaging effects of hot styling tools. I like to focus it on the ends of my hair to keep them looking healthy and full.

Kide Y Gold Highlighter

I use a big fluffy brush and a delicate hand to set my entire face with this illuminating powder. The satiny texture is luxurious and blends easily onto the skin, while the gold shimmer provides a warm radiance.  

To complete this fresh spring look, I applied a coat of W3ll People Expressionist Mascara

Which products are you loving this spring?

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Intro to RMS Beauty

If you are new to the green beauty game, get ready to fall in love with RMS Beauty. This cult favorite brand was created by Rose-Marie Swift, celebrity makeup artist to Gisele Bündchen and Miranda Kerr, just to name a few. Formulated with raw, food-grade, and organic ingredients, RMS is focused on truly healing and nourishing the skin.

The majority of the line features coconut oil-based creams that are packaged in beautiful, frosted glass pots. The brand's colorful lineup of goodies will literally leave you feeling like a kid in a candy store! As creams, RMS products can be applied with either your fingers or a brush. Although the finger painting approach can take a little practice, these creams are so easy to blend, you will be a master in no time!

No matter how many times I've used them, I actually get excited to put RMS Beauty products on my face. Aside from feeling great about the ingredients, RMS products always leave my skin looking glowy and hydrated.

Can you tell that I am obsessed? Alright, enough with my rant. Let's move on to the fun part! Here is a list of the basics:

"Un" Cover-Up

The color range is not outstanding, but if there is a shade that matches your skin tone, you should definitely give "Un" Cover-Up a try. This product can be used allover as a foundation and focused in specific areas as a concealer. The balmy texture of this product lends itself well to dry skin as it is incredibly moisturizing and melts flawlessly into the skin. 

Ingredients: *Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, *Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, *Cera Alba (Beeswax), *Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, *Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Tocopherol(non-GMO), *Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) Extract, and may contain: [+/- Titanium Dioxide CI 77891, Iron Oxides CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499] *Certified Organic

Buriti Bronzer

Dare I say it, this may be my favorite RMS product! The color of this bronzer imparts a healthy, sun-kissed glow that you can wear all year round. I also like that it has a subtle, golden shimmer that never comes off as glittery or orange. It also makes a great eyeshadow color if you don't mind a little creasing throughout the day. I’m in love!

Ingredients: *Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil,*Cera Alba (Beeswax), *Simmondsia Chinesis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, *Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, *Buriti (Mauritia Flexuosa) Oil, Tocopherol(non-GMO), *Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) Extract, and may contain: [+/- Titanium Dioxide CI 77891, Iron Oxides CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, Mica CI 77019] *Certified Organic

Lip2Cheek

This product gives the cheeks a nice flush of color without being greasy or cakey on the skin. Unlike blushes that pull your foundation away or result in a patchy finish, RMS Lip2Cheek blends evenly onto the skin for a natural, luminous finish. It can also be tapped on the lips to hydrate and add a pop of color.

Ingredients: *Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, *Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, *Cera Alba (Beeswax),*Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) Fruit, *Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, *Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, *Buriti (Mauritia Flexuosa) Oil, Tocopherol(non-GMO), Helianthus Annus (Sunflower) seed Oil, Propolis Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract ,*Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) Extract, and may contain: [+/- Titanium Dioxide CI 77891, Iron Oxides CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, Mica CI 77019] *Certified Organic

Living Luminizer

If you have been searching for the perfect dewy glow, look no further! Living Luminizer is a sheer, pearly highlighter that provides an absolutely beautiful "lit from within" look. This little pot of magic packs a punch, so beware that a little goes a long way.

Ingredients: *Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, *Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, *Cera Alba (Beeswax), Tocopherol (non-GMO), *Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) Extract, and may contain [+/- Titanium Dioxide CI77891, Mica CI 77019] *Certified Organic

Eye Polish

These cream eyeshadows are so wonderfully easy to use that you'll never want to go back to powders. RMS Eye Polishes nourish the skin and contain raw mineral pigments that provide a rich color payoff. One swipe and the beautiful, multi-dimensional sheen that results will make it look like you have spent ages layering shadows. Seduce is also a great contour color for lighter skin tones.

Ingredients: *Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil,*Cera Alba (Beeswax), *Simmondsia Chinesis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, *Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Tocopherol(non-GMO), *Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) Extract, and may contain: [+/- Titanium Dioxide CI 77891, Iron Oxides CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, Mica CI 77019 *Certified Organic

"Un" Powder

This superfine powder easily presses into the skin for a weightless finish that lasts all day. There is also a tinted version (here) if you prefer some additional coverage.

Ingredients: Silica

RMS Beauty does not test on animals. Bella seems to approve :)

RMS Beauty recently released Master Mixer, a rose gold highlighter that can be combined with other creams to transform into a variety of different hues. I can't wait to get my hands on it!

For more information about RMS Beauty, head over to their website (here). If you are curious about all things clean beauty, also check out Rose-Marie's site, Beauty Truth.

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Sebum—Your Skin's Natural Moisturizer

When you look in the mirror and think, "Eeks! Why does my skin look so greasy?" You can thank sebum for that. As you may have guessed, sebum gets a bad rap for providing us with that greasy glow, as well as for contributing to acne. So why discuss this oily nuisance? Well, sebum is actually pretty awesome! It is your skin's natural moisturizer! Not to mention, learning about sebum will help you understand the wants and needs of your skin so that you can keep it happy, healthy, and balanced for years to come.

What is it?

Sebum is a lipid mixture of triglycerides, wax monoesters, free fatty acids, squalene, and cellular debris that is secreted by the sebaceous glands. Sebaceous glands occur in high numbers on your face and scalp, but can be found all over your body except for the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet. These glands, which are usually connected to hair follicles, deposit sebum onto hair for it to be brought to the skin's surface along the hair shaft.

Why is it important?

Sebum helps protect and moisturize the skin essentially by waterproofing it. The acids secreted by sebaceous glands form a film on the surface of the skin (often referred to as the acid mantle) that act as a barrier to contaminants that could penetrate the skin. Nutrient delivery and temperature regulation are also associated with sebum. Did I mention that sebum is also critical to the maintenance of skin's elasticity and youthful bounce? Unfortunately, the downside to this wonder oil is that blockages in the hair follicle caused by dead cells (or that makeup that you were too lazy to take off last night), clog the skin's pores, leading to inflammation and acne.

Too Little Sebum

Age, gender, and pore size are just a few factors that can affect sebum levels. In general, mature skin produces less sebum than young skin; women produce less sebum than men; and people with smaller pores produce less sebum than people with larger pores. It is also possible to inadvertently strip our skin of sebum through the use of our most coveted beauty products.

Too little sebum manifests itself as dry, dehydrated skin. The stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the epidermis, is composed almost entirely of biologically dead cells called corneocytes. When there is not enough sebum to keep your corneocytes happy, they start to flake off at an accelerated rate. This ultimately results in wrinkly, cracked skin.

Lack of sebum can be treated cosmetically with moisturizers. Certain lipids will fill in the cracks left by having too little sebum and smooth out the stratum corneum. Because of that, rich creams are effective at reducing the signs of aging because they simply take the place of sebum to appease those corneocytes and give the appearance  of plump, youthful skin.

Too Much Sebum

Sebum production is controlled by sex hormones. Output of these hormones is heightened during puberty, before menstruation, during menopause, and as a result of certain medications and pathologies.

When the skin produces too much sebum, the dead skin cells that your body is trying to shed get mixed in with excess oil and end up clogging your pores. If bacteria then invade your congested pores, this can lead to inflammation and acne.

To remove extra sebum, try a gentle cleanser that will break down your surplus of oil without aggravating your corneocytes.

So there you have it! The basics of sebum, the key to hydrated, well-balanced skin.

For more information about sebum, check out my references: Gray's Anatomy, How Stuff Works, XO Vain

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Review: Kide Cosmetics Y Gold Highlighter

While I usually do extensive research before finally deciding to purchase a product, I spotted the Y Gold Highlighter by Kide Cosmetics on sale at The Detox Market and I was sold! Despite how eye-catching the promotional photographs of this highlighter are, I had trouble finding any reviews on my favorite beauty blogs. Encased in modern wooden packaging, this gorgeous mineral highlighter does not disappoint! The retail price is quite steep at $85 for 0.28 ounces (8 grams) of product. However, if you can find it on sale or would like to treat yourself or someone else, this highlighter will definitely amp up your natural, healthy glow.

Finish

The texture of this highlighter is exactly what I look for in mineral products. It is nicely balanced between being powdery and silky, but never comes off as dusty or chalky. With gold metallic veining streaked throughout a glimmering beige, this powder has just the right amount of shimmer. While this highlighter imparts a sophisticated, luminous glow that gives life to my pale complexion, it will also look stunning on darker skin tones.

Application

I use a small fluffy brush to blend this highlighter onto the tops of my cheekbones. I also go back in with a small eyeshadow brush to pop this underneath the arches of my eyebrows and to the inner corners of my eyes. If you are really looking for an allover glow, you can use a big fluffy brush and a delicate hand to set your entire face with this beautiful powder.

Ingredients

Mica, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Isononyl Isononanoate, Hectorite, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Water (Aqua), Benzyl Alcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Sorbic Acid, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Diamond Powder, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glycerin, Zea Mays Germ Oil.May Contain [+/– Ci 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499 (Iron Oxides), Ci 77289 (Chromium Hydroxide Green), Ci 15850 (Red 6, Red 7 Lake), Ci 77742 (Manganese Violet)].

Wrap-Up

This highlighter is gorgeous! The gold-toned shimmer provides warmth to the skin and the addition of diamond powder naturally illuminates for a lit-from-within radiance. The satiny texture is luxurious and blends easily onto the skin. Although the packaging is a little clunky for travel, it looks beautiful and protects the product very well. This highlighter has already made frequent appearances in my daily routine and I know that it will be a staple in the spring and summer. If you are in the market for a cooler-toned glimmer, Kide also offers a silver version of this highlighter (here).

Have you tried any Kide products?

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The 5 Product Face in 5 Minutes

My main goal in the morning is to get out of the door quickly and without looking like a zombie. While these five products have become staples in my fussless daily routine, they are also easy to glam up when I have a little more time to experiment.

I start with Kjaer Weis Cream Foundation (full review here) in the areas where I have the most redness, usually around my nose and chin. I blend out from there with a foundation brush or a sponge and then dab some extra product underneath my eyes and on whatever else needs concealing. (2 minutes)

I then reach for my RMS Buriti Bronzer, aka Gisele in a jar. I use a stippling brush to blend this on my temples, around my hairline, and lightly across the bridge of my nose. If I have enough time, I will also pop this bronzer onto my eyelids for subtle definition. (1 minute)

My current go-to blush is Embrace by Kjaer Weis. This color offers such a natural, beautiful flush that it is perfect for everyday use. I apply this blush to the apples of my cheeks using a big fluffy brush and then tap some on my lips for a little extra oomp. (30 seconds)

Next, I apply RMS Living Luminizer to the tops of my cheekbones, underneath the arches of my eyebrows, and to the inner corners of my eyes. I am all about finger painting when dousing myself in this beautiful highlighter, but I sometimes use a stippling brush. (30 seconds)

Finally, I coat my top and bottom lashes with a generous amount of W3ll People Expressionist Mascara. This mascara's tapered, rubber brush really helps to separate and volumize my short, stubby lashes. (1 minute)

That's it! Natural beauty enhanced with natural products. Out the door I go!

What are your favorite 5 Product Face staples?

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Natural Doesn't Always Mean Safe

There seems to be a dangerous misconception that products deemed as natural, green, or organic are automatically healthy and safe. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Cyanide is natural, but I don’t plan on adding a big spoonful to my daily cup of tea. The truth is that there are so many new ingredients introduced to the market each year, usage and interaction data is sparse. I chose to say ingredients and not chemicals because somehow chemical has become a dirty word. This is also a confused notion. Everything is made up of chemicals and whether they are naturally occurring or man-made does not inherently speak to their safety. To quote a basic principle of toxicology, “The dose makes the poison.” Even products that are generally accepted as harmless, such as vitamins, can lose their safety and effectiveness when used in the wrong amounts or in combination with the wrong things. There are also regulatory shortcomings that make it nearly impossible to decipher the standards, or lack thereof, that need to be upheld for a product to be labeled as natural. In fact, the FDA recently reached out to the public for aid in defining the term natural on food labeling (Follow this link to send the FDA your thoughts on the matter – Comments will be accepted until May 10, 2016).

If there are research gaps regarding the type, amount, and duration of exposure that make products harmful, how are consumers supposed to discern what’s actually safe to use? In the current state of affairs, I think that we each are responsible for doing our own due diligence. Sadly, no one should accept that a product is safe just because it says natural or organic all over the packaging.  Do your research, ask questions, and make some noise when something doesn’t seem right. Personally, I try stay away from overly processed products and limit my use of any one specific item because today’s miracle ingredient could very well be on tomorrow’s warning lists. It is critical to remember that this is your health on the line; it is precious and should never be taken for granted.

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Review: Tata Harper Nourishing Oil Cleanser

I used to think that basting myself with oil was a beauty trend that I could never adopt. Fast forward to now and I love looking for new beauty and cleansing oils to try out. To date, the best cleansing oil that I have come across is Tata Harper's Nourishing Oil Cleanser. This stuff feels so luxurious on the skin that it is like a trip to the spa with every use.

Description

This cleansing oil is a mixture of, you guessed it, oils, as well as Tata Harper's Estate Grown Beauty Complex, an herb blend of skin goodies. The viscosity of this oil is on point! The consistency is such that it doesn't start to run down into your eyes and mouth as you are massaging it into your skin; and it isn't so thick that it is impossible to wash off. I also like the fact that it doesn't leave a greasy residue behind, just silky, moisturized skin. The scent is floral, but not overpowering.

Application

At the end of the day, I want to remove my makeup as quickly and effectively as possible so that I can finally crawl into bed. Being a dry-skinned girl, I enjoy using products that leave my skin feeling plump and hydrated. As the first step in my nighttime skincare routine, I apply one pump of Tata Harper's Nourishing Oil Cleanser and gently work it over my skin to breakdown my makeup. I then use a damp konjac sponge (I like this one) to create an emulsion that helps remove my makeup and dissolve any buildup in my pores. I hold the sponge over each eye for about 10-15 seconds before gently working my mascara away. I then go back in with another pump of the Nourishing Oil Cleanser and massage it into my skin using upward, circular motions. After that, I rinse my face with water and dry off before proceeding with the remainder of my lotions and potions.

Wrap-up

I have really been enjoying this cleansing oil and I would definitely repurchase it in the future. While it may not be the best option for oily or acne-prone skin, I find that this oil has been ideal for my dry, dehydrated skin throughout the winter months. True to its name, this oil is incredibly nourishing and lush. My skin is left feeling clean, hydrated, and balanced. This oil also breaks down makeup effortlessly and removes mascara without any trouble. My only complaint with this product is that the pump seems to be a bit finicky. I have to apply a lot of force to depress the plunger, which often causes the oil to blast out of the bottle without warning. It's not a major deal, but frustrating if you are not prepared for it.  At $68 for 4.1 fl. oz. (125 ml), Tata Harper's Nourishing Oil Cleanser is quite a splurge. However, if you are looking to pamper yourself or someone else, this product is truly luxurious and packed full of natural, nutrient-rich ingredients that you can feel good about using.

Have you tried the Nourishing Oil Cleanser from Tata Harper?

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Review: Kjaer Weis Cream Foundation

With perhaps the most stunning packaging on the market, Kjaer Weis Cream Foundation has caught the attention of beauty lovers everywhere. Made of white bronze, these refillable compacts are both sturdy and sustainable. Unfortunately, they are also quite pricey. At $68 for 0.26 oz. (7.5 g) of product, this foundation is an investment. However, if you don't mind foregoing the gorgeous compact, Kjaer Weis Cream Foundation Refills can be purchased for the slightly less breathtaking price of $40 and can easily be popped into a Z Palette.

Finish

Although this cream foundation is silky to the touch, it is also quite firm. The first time that I used this product, I felt like I really had to show my brush who's boss in order to pick up any foundation. Needless to say, I have now resorted to using a Beauty Blender and I find that it works perfectly. The semi-matte finish of this product is reminiscent of a cream-to-powder formulation, but I find that this foundation remains dewy on my dry skin throughout hours of wear. 

Kjaer Weis Cream Foundation in Lightness

Application

Moisturized skin is key to the successful application of this foundation. I recommend a light beauty oil, but a generous amount of your favorite moisturizer should do the trick. After my moisturizer has had a minute or two to sink in, I just bounce a thin layer of this foundation on with a Beauty Blender and then go back in with my fingers to conceal the darkness underneath my eyes. What I enjoy most about this foundation is that it takes so little effort to look phenomenal. Because it is so quick and easy to apply, this foundation is also compatible with my morning "get out the door dash." I even find myself admiring how beautifully, airbrushed my skin looks throughout the workday (commence happy dance!!).

Wearing Kjaer Weis Cream Foundation in Lightness as a base

Ingredients

Mica, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Seed Oil•, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil•, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch•, Cera Alba•, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax•, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil•, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil•, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glyceryl Stearate, Talc, Gallic Acid

May Contain +/- CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 77491(Iron Oxides), CI 77499 (Iron Oxides), CI 77492 (Iron Oxides)

• organically grown

Wrap-Up

This is an incredibly luxurious foundation and I find that it wears exceptionally well. My skin doesn't dry out or get greasy throughout the day, and the finish remains even and flawless. The coverage is easily buildable and I love that I can conceal by adding just a touch more product. Additionally, this foundation blends well with other products, especially other creams, but also plays nicely with the powders that I have tested out. This is not the most hydrating foundation on my naturally dry skin, but a generous application of moisturizer prior to use really helps. Overall, I am quite pleased with the performance of the Kjaer Weis Cream Foundation and I plan on keeping it as a staple in my makeup arsenal.

Have you tried Kjaer Weis Cream Foundation?

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A Beginner's Guide to Affordable Green Beauty

So you've decided to give the whole green thing a go, but where should you start? As a recent convert myself, I have put together a list of the products that I have quickly come to adore. These essentials are both fabulous and affordable. While you certainly don't have to relinquish that death grip on your favorite lipstick, finding cleaner alternatives for the products that you use frequently and over the greatest surface area of your skin will have the most impact. There are so many amazing natural products on the market, you will find plenty of healthy holy grails in no time!

Product images obtained from their respective websites (linked below)

Acure Organics: If you are looking for affordable, clean products that you can feel good about using, Acure Organics will quickly become your standby. While their scents seem to be polarizing, I haven't encountered any deal breakers. The Argan Cell Stimulating Body Wash has a light almond scent and lathers nicely. I also recommend the Volume Shampoo and Moisturizing Root Repair Hair Mask. I have very fine, limp hair that tangles easily and this minty duo leaves my hair hydrated with just the right amount of bounce. (Body Wash $9.99; Shampoo $9.99; Hair Mask $12.99)

100% Pure: I am not fussy when it comes to lotion, but 100% Pure's Body Cream is a great everyday basic for my notoriously dry skin. It has a silky, smooth texture and doesn't leave me feeling like a grease ball. I enjoy the Vanilla Bean scent, but there are several others to choose from. ($19.00)

Hurraw!: Luxuriously creamy, moisturizing, vegan, AND organic? These lip balms from Hurraw! tick all of the boxes and then some. Did I mention that they are available in flavors like Grapefruit and Coffee Bean? Seriously, the scent alone is so yummy that you'll be tempted to take a bite out of one of these babies! ($3.79-$4.29)

Hugo Naturals: I work in a lab environment, so I am constantly washing my hands. The Liquid Hand Soaps from Hugo Naturals contain pure coconut oil, olive oil, shea butter, and aloe extract, without any sulfates, parabens, or other harsh ingredients. ($7.99)

Badger: Researching the ingredients found in traditional sunscreens is daunting and quite confusing. Badger Sunscreens are comprised of uncoated, non-nano zinc oxide. To translate, these are physical sunscreens made of minerals that are too large to penetrate the skin. Also worth noting is that these sunscreens are thick and require some serious effort to rub into the skin. Take comfort in knowing that your arms will be ripped by the end of summer :) Click here for more information about the science behind Badger Sunscreen. ($15.99)

The Green Beaver Company: You should know upfront that you are probably not going to like natural toothpaste at first. My biggest complaint is usually that my teeth never feel fully clean, but I also dislike the funky aftertaste. However, the Toothpastes from the The Green Beaver Company have a good consistency and are available in a diverse range of flavors; I am currently enjoying Zesty Orange. Additionally, because these toothpastes contain silica and calcium carbonate, they have enough grit to actually polish your teeth. ($5.99)

What are your affordable green beauty faves?

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