5 Tips for Clean Eating on a Budget

If you would like to eat cleanly but feel like you just can't afford to, you're not alone!

There is a high premium on organic items in almost every grocery store and the "Natural" aisle is often secluded from the rest of the market, as if to indicate that you need to hand your wallet over before entering.

Don't fret!

Your health is too precious for you not to be eating in a balanced way that supports your well-being. Grocery shopping is an investment in you! You need real, nourishing food, not processed junk! 

It's time to prioritize your health and shop smart!

With a little planning and a greater awareness of your buying habits, you’ll be able to make healthier choices without spending more.

---

Here are a few tips for maximizing your money:

Set Your Budget and Stick to It!

Take the time to determine what's reasonable for you to spend on groceries each week. If you have been eating out a lot or sneaking out for coffee on your lunch break (I'm so guilty!), now is the time to assess the monetary impact that those splurges are having on your finances.

Plan Ahead and Make a List

Meal planning is a great way to stick to your budget and to help you focus on healthy choices when you're bombarded by tempting treats at the market. If you shop with intention, you'll be more apt to purchase just the ingredients on your list. With meals picked out for the week, you will also be less likely to want to eat out and let your deliciously healthy food go to waste. 

Look for Produce That's In Season

Not only is this a great way to support local farmers, but fruits and vegetables that are in season are often less expensive. Keep in mind that you can stock up on certain items and freeze them for later. My husband and I do this with berries so that we can have delicious smoothies all year round!

Also, consider when it is critical to prioritize buying organic. Check out these lists from EWG that outline the fruits and veggies that are most and least affected by pesticides.

Check Out Online Shops

You are probably paying a premium on organic items at your local market. There are several online shops that now specialize in healthy goods. Vitacost is my jam! About once a month, I like to put in a bulk order to stock up on essentials. Plant-based protein powder, cashews, date syrup, you name it! Be sure to price check the web against your usual grocery store to determine exactly what's more economical to purchase online. Vitacost also have coupon codes available all of the time, so be sure to take advantage of their additional discounts!

Thrive Market is also a great option for healthy online shopping, but there is a $59.99 yearly membership fee.

I've also found great prices on Amazon! Just make sure that you are purchasing from a reputable seller.

Stock Up on Essentials

When you see a great deal on your favorite essentials, stock up! We keep huge jars of nuts, seeds, and dried fruit in our pantry at all times. I also have so many cartons of crushed tomatoes that I could easily survive a zombie apocalypse (with some serious heart burn, mind you). As long as you know that what you're buying has a long shelf-life and keeps well, don't be afraid to buy extra when there's a sale!

---

I hope that you find these suggestions to be helpful and please comment below with your favorite tips for clean eating on a budget!

Also, if you like this kind of post and are interested in what my husband and I purchase from Vitacost or our local market, please leave a comment below!

0

Let's Chat Berry Lips

Fall marks the beginning of chunky knit sweaters, pumpkin spice lattes, and berry lips!

Berry hues flatter so many skin tones! They are also quite versatile because they look gorgeous when worn casually and when you are in the mood to glam things up. Although this post is all about berry lips, don’t be afraid to spread the berry love to your cheeks for a beautiful, natural flush! 

From top to bottom: 100% Pure - Calypso; Ilia Beauty - Dress You Up; Ilia Beauty - Kokomo; Ilia Beauty - Pink Moon; Silk Naturals - 90's; Vapour Organic Beauty - Artemis; and Vapour Organic Beauty - Au Pair

If you are looking for a vampy, grunge-style berry, you need Silk Naturals's Velvet Matte Lipstick in 90's in your collection. This deep, neutral nude with just a hint of reddish plum is so stunning and edgy! It also layers beautifully!

For a ridiculously pigmented reddish-berry shade, check out Calypso from 100% Pure. The formulation of these fruit pigmented lipsticks is divine! Not only are they the creamiest lipsticks I've ever tried, but they are super moisturizing without feeling heavy or greasy on the lips. They are also packed with nourishing antioxidants and the color range is exquisite!

Ilia Beauty's Tinted Lip Conditioner in Pink Moon is similar in color to Calypso, but feels like a balm on the lips. It has a silky-smooth texture, gives the lips a lovely, soft sheen, and its sheer formulation is super comfortable to wear.

For something equally beautiful that is a bit more subdued, I recommend Vapour Organic Beauty's Aura Multi Use in Artemis. This rich, cool-toned berry shade has a hint of mauve and a nearly undetectable shimmer that is so incredibly gorgeous! The Multi-Use formula is made for lips, cheeks, and eyes, and has a velvety texture that melts flawlessly into the skin.

If you love rose-toned berries, Vapour's Siren Lipstick in Au Pair and Ilia's Lip Crayon in Dress You Up. are great options! Au Pair is a rich berry with a silky texture that leaves the lips feeling nicely moisturized. It has excellent pigmentation, great staying power, and an understated glossy finish that doesn't feel sticky or cakey. There is also a subtle fruity scent that I just adore! Dress You Up is a bit rosier than Au Pair and the twist-up crayon is super convenient for when you're on the go!

Vapour's Siren Lipstick in Au Pair is the middle shade in the Afterglow palette

Finally, Ilia Beauty's Tinted Lip Conditioner in Kokomo is a sheer, muted mauve that is the glossiest of the bunch. The formulation is smooth, very moisturizing, and the natural SPF 15 protection makes it perfect for enjoying the great outdoors!

What are your favorite berry lip products for fall?

2

Empties - To Repurchase or Not to Repurchase??

I put a tremendous amount of effort into sharing information about the products that I love and the companies I believe in on this blog. However, with so many incredible green beauty goodies on the market, it is easy to constantly adopt new loves. Only time can truly tell whether or not a product is amazing enough to repurchase and as empties collect, a verdict must be made.

Can you guess which of these empties I plan on repurchasing?

100% Pure Honey Cream Wash in Vanilla Bean

This is my favorite body wash! The vanilla bean scent is deliciously sweet and the rich, creamy texture of this wash is ultra luxurious! The addition of nourishing ingredients like organic aloe, creamed honey, and coconut oil leave my skin feeling perfectly soft and moisturized. It also lathers like a dream!

Verdict: Repurchase!

100% Pure Maracuja Mascara

The formulation of this mascara is quite wet and a bit clumpy. Upon application, my unruly lashes would all stick together in a gloopy, hot mess sort of way. Definitely not flattering! I adore 100% Pure,

Verdict: Pass :(

Acure Organics Energizing Body Wash

If I'm not using 100% Pure's Honey Cream Wash, I am using this one! This body wash is a staple! It is affordable and the quality is great! It leaves my skin feeling perfectly silky and hydrated! It also a has a sweet almond scent that I love!

Verdict: Repurchase!

Acure Organics Facial Toner with Balancing Rose + Red Tea

While this balancing toner helped remove excess residue from my skin after cleansing, I found it to be incredibly drying! I have naturally thirsty skin, so if you are normal to oily, this product may work wonders! 

Verdict: Pass :(

JĀSÖN Powersmile Whitening Toothpaste

Natural toothpastes usually make me feel like I am brushing my teeth with body lotion...yeah, not pleasant! However, this toothpaste from JĀSÖN is amazing! It lathers like a champion and doesn't leave a funky aftertaste. We are currently using the Cinnamon Mint flavor, but Vanilla Mint is also a fave!

Verdict: Repurchase!

Kjaer Weis Cream Foundation

I seriously cannot get enough of this foundation (review here)! It wears flawlessly throughout the day and the shade Lightness matches my skin perfectly! I like bouncing it onto moisturized skin with a sponge for a gorgeous, airbrushed look!

Verdict: Repurchase!

Mahalo Rare Indigo Beauty Balm

I did not get along well with the potent floral smell of this balm at first. However, Mahalo reached out and suggested that I leave the lid off for a while. Because all of the aromatics in this balm are from natural essences, they are volatile and will lessen when exposed to air. After that, it was perfect! This indulgent, violet-blue balm is packed with antioxidants and essential fatty acids that make my skin feel like silk! I also find that it works wonders on the inflammation and redness associated with pesky breakouts.

Verdict: Repurchase!

RMS Beauty "Un" Cover-Up

RMS Beauty is one of my favorite brands and this cream is beautiful! It can be used as both a foundation and a concealer because the coverage builds so easily! However, I have an unfailing love for Jane Iredale's Glow Time Full Coverage Mineral BB Cream and have recently fallen hard for W3ll People's Bio Correct Multi-Action Concealer. At present, there just isn't a place for "Un" Cover-Up in my daily routine.

Verdict: Pass...but probably not for long!

Do you have any empties that you plan on repurchasing or letting go for now?

0

Review: Holistic Green Beauty's Chocolate Cleansing Balm

Three words...Chocolate Cleansing Balm. Need I say more? As someone who is instantly drawn to products with naturally sweet scents that sound delicious and dessert-like, it's no surprise that Holistic Green Beauty's luxe balm has made its way into my skincare routine. Packed with Mafura butter, an ingredient made from the seeds of the Trichilia emetica tree which thrives in Eastern Africa, this indulgent cleanser is deeply nourishing and healing. After testing out this balm, I quickly noticed how soft and smooth my skin felt. I previously posted about how much I enjoy The Honey Mud from May Lindstrom. I have been alternating between The Honey Mud and this Chocolate Cleansing Balm, and I couldn't be happier with my glowing, hydrated skin.

Description

This cleansing balm is thin, but has a rich, velvety texture that feels like silk on the skin. Unlike the pudding-like texture of The Honey Mud, this product is like a balmy chocolate mousse. It is also quite buttery and melts beautifully with the warmth of the skin. You may actually want to store it in the refrigerator if you reside in a particularly warm climate.

Aside from its luxurious consistency and how it gently removes makeup and impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils, this balm emulsifies with water to create a nourishing chocolate milk! Made with wonderful, nutritious ingredients, this balm infuses the skin with antioxidant rich green tea, cacao extract, rosehip oil and açaí berry oil to help combat impurities and toxins. Calendula and Copaiba essential oils are also added for the anti-inflammatory benefits to soothe and condition the skin while enhancing its natural radiance. Not to mention, the deliciously sweet scent has notes of chocolate and vanilla.

Application

Massaging this sumptuous cleanser into the skin is an experience! Much like the guilty pleasure of indulging in a rich piece of your favorite cake, this balm is the skincare version of a chocolate high. To cleanse, I dampen my face with a bit of warm water before massaging a dime-sized amount of balm into my skin using upward, circular motions. I then rinse with warm water and pat my face dry. Holistic Green Beauty also supplies an organic muslin cloth with this balm that is perfect for lifting away dead skin cells and gently exfoliating my skin.

Ingredients

Trichilia Emetica (Mafura) Seed Butter**, Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter*, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Glycerin*, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Almond) Seed Oil*, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Fruit Oil*, Copaifera Officinalis (Copaiba) Resin**, Sucrose Laurate, Theobroma Cacao Seed Powder*, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Flower Water*, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil*, Euterpe Oleracea (Açaí) Fruit Oil, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract*, Calendula Officinalis (Marigold) Flower Extract*, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract*, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract*, Tocopherol

*organic
**wild crafted

Wrap-up

This balm is such an indulgent treat for my skin! The scent is decadently sweet and the texture is so silky that it really is like applying a luxe, perfectly whipped chocolate mousse to your face. While it does a great job breaking down makeup and clearing my pores, I have noticed that this product will leave behind a residue if I do not rinse it off thoroughly. This doesn't seem to irritate my skin at all, but it may be an issue if you have particularly sensitive skin.

As the perfect compliment to The Honey Mud, this balm is so lush! My skin is radiant, silky-smooth, and in the best condition that it ever has been! This balm helps to balance my dry skin and works beautifully with the other products in my skincare rotation. The Chocolate Cleansing Balm retails for $69 USD (3.38 fl. oz., 100 ml).

Have you tried any products from Holistic Green Beauty?

0

The Luxury Look for Less

While I love high-end brands like Kjaer Weis and RMS Beauty, there are countless brands that offer high quality products that are way more affordable. Inspired by the vampy minimalism that is so characteristic of fall makeup, I decided to search for budget friendly alternatives to create a stunning look! After rummaging through my makeup collection, I picked out some amazing pieces that I absolutely love!

I have obsessed over Jane Iredale's Glow Time Full Coverage Mineral BB Cream all summer long, but I have had a stretch of good skin days recently and have transitioned back to my Parlo Cosmetic's Natural Mineral Foundation in Balsalm. This really is a fantastic, light base that diffuses imperfections beautifully and provides a gorgeous glow. As soon as you start buffing this powder into your skin, you will fall in love!

I popped the Master Fix in Bare Ivory from Parlo Cosmetics to conceal and highlight underneath my eyes, down the center of my nose, and at the center of my chin. I worked this in with a dense concealer brush. The silky texture of this product allows it to melt beautifully into the skin and it remains creaseless on me throughout the day!

As my bronzer and contour powder, I used Glory Boon's Passport to Paradise Mineral Blush in Coconut Tree. I bought this a few months ago and totally fell in love with it. It has a soft, matte finish that is perfect for fall! I applied this powder with a medium-sized fluffy brush around my temples, nose, and neck, as well as lightly into the hollows of my cheeks.

To highlight, I went back to one of my absolute favorite products, Silk Naturals's light pink highlighter in Fluff. I used a small powder brush to lightly skim this across my cheekbones. I didn’t want anything too bright and evening inspired, so this provided a lovely, lit-from-within finish.

To the apples of my cheeks, I applied a bit of Call Me Baby from Parlo Cosmetics. All of Parlo's mineral blushes are beautifully pigmented and incredibly affordable! I used a fluffy blush brush to blend this powder onto the skin using light, circular motions.

On the eyes, I used my recently pressed Parlo Cosmetics mineral shadows (check out the post here) in Big Talk and Just Cause. I am always so impressed by the pigmentation of Parlo's shadows, as well as how easy they are to blend. I added Big Talk, a shimmery rose gold, to the inner half of my eyes and Just Cause, a metallic brown, to the outer half of my lids.

For mascara, I coated my top and bottom lashes with a generous amount of my favorite Lily Lolo Black Vegan Mascara. At $19.50 USD, this is the one product that you'll have to splurge on in this entire post. I just haven't been able to find a more affordable alternative that adds the same volume and thickness to my unruly lashes! I also dipped an angled liner brush into a bit this mascara to line my eyes.

Lastly, a serious favorite for the lips! I first applied Silk Naturals's Velvet Matte Lipstick in 90's.This deep, neutral nude with just a hint of reddish plum is so stunning and edgy! For an extra bit of dimension, I topped this with Bordeaux Tinted Lip Balm from Parlo Cosmetics.

What affordable brands are you currently loving?

---

Don't forget that code blushingbme saves you 20% at Parlo Cosmetics!

*Some of the Parlo Cosmetics products featured in this post are affiliate samples. As always, however, I have presented my 100% honest opinion. I cannot, nor will I ever, accept compensation in exchange for a positive review.

0

How to Press Loose Powders

I adore the rich pigmentation of loose mineral shadows and blushes, but it always seems like more product ends up on the counter than on my face! No matter how carefully I coax the product out of its packaging, I always make a mess! :( The struggle is real! Loose shadows also take up a lot of space and if you are a green beauty addict like myself, you know that space is coveted!

Pressing loose shadows is super simple and requires very few tools. Here is what you'll need:

• Empty Eye Shadow / Blush Pans
• A Binding Agent (I used Organic Jojoba Oil, but Coconut Oil works well too!)
• Water (or 91% isopropyl alcohol if you are in a hurry)
• A Small Mixing Bowl + Spoon (I used a bobby pin)
• A Tamping Tool (I used some spare change)
• Pressing Cloth or Ribbons
• Pen

Optional Tools

• Eye Dropper
• Q-tips
• Labels
• Butter Knife (to help remove the sifting lids from your loose products)

First, gather all your tools and make sure that everything has been properly cleaned. Label the back of your pans to keep track of the names of all of your shadows and blushes. Then, pour your loose product into your mixing bowl. This is Backstabber, a gorgeous fuscia plum shadow from Parlo Cosmetics!

The amount of binder you'll want to add depends on the amount of product you are pressing. For every 1/8 of a teaspoon of product, I like to add 1 drop of jojoba oil.

Next, start stirring! You'll quickly see a crumbly texture start to develop as your product clumps up. Continue to mix and add just enough water or isopropyl alcohol to get a smooth, thick paste. If you add too much liquid, it will take a little longer to dry before you can press your products and you may have to work in layers to fill your pan fully. 

Pour your product into the pan. Use can use your stirring tool to help spread your product. To make sure that your product is distributed evenly and to get rid of any air bubbles, gently pick up your pan and drop it against the table several times.

When your poured creation is completely dry (this can take 24-72 hours), take your pressing ribbon or cloth and lay it over the pan. With your tamping tool or spare change, press forcefully against the pan to make sure that your product is really packed down.

Add your pressed shadows and blushes to a magnetic palette and you're good to go!

Top row of Parlo Cosmetics Eye Shadows (left to right): Big Talk; Love Nugget; Backstabber; Ssk Boom Baa; Under the Break; and Just Cause

Bottom row of Parlo Cosmetics Blushes:  Shimmy, Shimmy (this is actually a shadow, but I have been using it as a highlight and it's stunning!); Betty; and Call Me Baby

Don't forget that code blushingbme saves you 20% at Parlo Cosmetics!

I'd love to see your pressed creations, so be sure to tag me on Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest!

Enjoy!

*Some of the Parlo Cosmetics products featured in this post are affiliate samples. As always, however, I have presented my 100% honest opinion. I cannot, nor will I ever, accept compensation in exchange for a positive review.

1

My Favorite Lip Glosses

I have a love-hate relationship with lip gloss. There is something so flattering and flirty about ultra glossy lips, yet a bad formulation can result in a gloopy, sticky mess! There is no reason to settle for a lackluster, uncomfortable gloss when there are so many gorgeous clean options to choose from!

Here are a few of my favorites! 

From bottom to top - 100% Pure Lip Caramel in Rum Nougat; FitGlow Beauty Good Gloss in Liv; Ilia Beauty Lip Gloss in Heartbeat; Lily Lolo Lip Gloss in English Rose; Parlo Cosmetics Lip Polish in Glow; Vapour Organic Beauty Elixir Plumping Lip Gloss in Trust; and W3ll People Bio Extreme Lipgloss in Peachy Pink

100% Pure Lip Caramel in Rum Nougat

This product is like a hybrid lip gloss / liquid lipstick and smells like the most deliciously divine caramel treat! The formulation is thin and creamy with a lot of slip. Best of all, 100% Pure's Lip Caramels have stunning pigmentation from the addition of fruit, root, and achiote seed pigments, while their intense moisturizing effect is from pomegranate oil and cocoa butter.

FitGlow Beauty Good Gloss in Liv

This shear gloss is great for when you want that high shine look with just a hint of color! The formula is ultra glossy and nourishing without being sticky or gloopy. It also has a lovely vanilla scent! Liv is a girly, cool-toned pink that I like to apply straight from the tube before running out the door. 

Ilia Beauty Lip Gloss in Heartbeat

If you are looking for an effortless red, check out Heartbeat! Whether you are amping up your rouge lipstick or wearing this gloss on its own, you will adore its silky-smooth texture! The smell is a little funky, but its sheer, pigmented formulation gives the lips a gorgeous, soft sheen. 

Lily Lolo Lip Gloss in English Rose

This lip gloss smells just like chocolate! English Rose is a sheer, dusky pink that is perfect for everyday wear. The formulation is comfortably creamy and the pigmentation is rich and opaque. It's also packed Vitamin E and organic jojoba to nourish and protect your pout.

Parlo Cosmetics Lip Polish in Glow

On the lips, these polishes are ultra glossy and hydrating! The texture is almost velvety, which I adore! Definitely no sticky gloopiness here! Glow is a gorgeous, champagne pink that will flatter everyone!

RMS Beauty Lip Shine in Sacred

This Lip Shine is so luxuriously creamy! Sacred is an absolutely stunning watermelon pink that is perfectly saturated with pigment. I do find that I have to reapply this cream fairly often to maintain the glossy shine, but my lips remain plump and moisturized even after the product has worn off.

Vapour Organic Beauty Elixir Plumping Lip Gloss in Trust

Holy cannoli, these glosses are like silk! They are super rich and creamy, and the formulation is darn near perfect! One coat and you are left with a beautiful semi-opaque, super glossy finish! They also have Vapour's signature fruity scent! Love!

W3ll People Bio Extreme Lipgloss in Peachy Pink

The formulation of this gloss is incredibly soothing due to the addition of organic aloe, coconut oil, and grape seed oil. Although quite sheer, this sparkly pink has a serious shine that is moisturizing and never sticky. Not to mention, the combination of star anise, wintergreen, and spearmint give it this gloss a refreshing, minty flavor.

What are your favorite glosses? Am I missing any gems from my collection?

*The Parlo Cosmetics lip polish featured in this post is an affiliate sample. As always, however, I have presented my 100% honest opinion. I cannot, nor will I ever, accept compensation in exchange for a positive review.

0

Review: RMS Beauty Swift Shadows

RMS Beauty is known for its colorful lineup of coconut oil-based creams packaged in beautiful, frosted glass pots. Created for those who prefer powder eye shadows, RMS Beauty's new Swift Shadows are now available in 18 gorgeous shades! Formulated with rich, mineral pigments, wild-crafted buriti oil, and organic jojoba oil, each of these shadows delivers a stunning, light-reflective finish and can easily be built up for a more saturated look. Individually packaged in modern, white compacts, these shadows retail for $20 USD each.

Application + Finish

The pigmentation of these shadows on their own is lovely, but something magical happens when you apply them with a damp eye shadow brush! These richly pigmented powders are smooth and velvety to the touch. They also blend effortlessly and with minimal fallout. The intensity of the three Swift Shadows that I have tried is exceptional! On the lids, they create the most radiant, sophisticated shimmer! 

Applied dry (left to right: EM-64, SB-43, & GR-19)

Applied with a damp brush (top to bottom: GR-19, SB-43, & EM-64)

Colors

The shade range may look subdued, but these shadows pack a punch! There are six color categories to choose from: Twilight Madness (grays and charcoals); Sunset Beach (peaches and apricots); Tempting Touch (beiges and bronzes); Garden Rose (blush tones); Enchanting Moonlight (purples and burgundies); and Tobacco Road (browns and soft greens). 

Rose Marie Swift named these color categories in honor of her love for The Andy Griffith Show

GR-19 is a burgundy pink that will be perfect for fall!

SB-43 is a soft, golden pearl

EM-64 is a grape hue with a hint of mauve

Ingredients

Mica, Silica, *Mauritia Flexuosa (Buriti) Fruit Oil, Zinc Stearate, *Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Tocopherol (non-GMO), *Rosmarinus Officials (Rosemary) Extract

*Certified Organic

May Contain [+/-]: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxide (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499)

Wrap-Up

The new Swift Shadows from RMS Beauty are perfect additions to this brand's ultra glamorous line of natural goodies. Unlike powder eye shadows that are baked, these shadows are pressed to avoid heat exposure and preserve the integrity of the raw ingredients. The texture of these powders is luxuriously silky and the pigmentation is gorgeous! I highly recommend applying these shadows with a damp brush to make their luminous, multi-dimensional finishes come to life! I applied Vapour Organic Beauty's Stratus Luminous Instant Skin Perfector to prime my lids and was able to wear these shadows all day without creasing. I am hoping that RMS will eventually come out with refillable compacts and some stunning palettes featuring these beautiful new shadows! Fingers crossed!

Have you tried any of the new Swift Shadows?

0