5 New Natural Beauty Products + a $250 Giveaway!
As a soon-to-be R.D. and fitness fanatic, I’ve been on the whole foods bandwagon for a long time now. Hanging out at natural grocery stores and reading nutrition labels has pretty much become a favorite pastime of mine — and yes, I am aware of how nerdy that sounds.
What I hadn’t caught onto though, until recently, was natural beauty.
Despite a love of fashion and girly products, I have always been low maintenance in the hair/makeup/nails department, typically buying makeup from the drugstore and walking around with chipped nails that I painted myself (the woes of a full-time, dish-washing food blogger).
While I love getting glammed up, I just never spent a lot of time thinking about the actual products I was using. Most of my exposure to the world of beauty came from attending events in L.A. while working as an entertainment reporter and basically trying whatever was given to me.
I quickly learned that all products are not created equally. Just like with our food, there are so many chemicals and compounds frequently used in makeup and other beauty products that are potentially hazardous to our bodies and the environment.
In my younger years, I wouldn’t have worried too much about this. I simply would have purchased whatever product was the cheapest.
Having just turned 30 this year though, and starting to notice the wear-and-tear life has taken on my skin, I’ve begun to realize that it’s time I starting paying more attention to not only what I put in my body but what I put on it.
So I began experimenting with natural and organic beauty products and have been pleasantly surprised to find that most of what I tried has worked just as good, if not better, than the mainstream stuff.
At Organic Spa Magazine‘s recent event at the Beverly Hilton, I got the chance to try out a bunch of amazing new products and chat with industry leaders about the benefits of going natural. Today I’m sharing that info with you, along with my top five products from the event.
Be sure to stick around until the end of the post for a chance to WIN every single one of them!!!
1. SpaRitual’s GOLD Flexible Color System
SpaRitual’s amazing new GOLD collection is your cruelty-free answer to a gel manicure. This vegan, “5-Free” polish and topcoat dries in eight minutes, and is durable, scratch resistant, and super shiny — just like what you get at the salon, but without having to stick your hands under a UV light.
I tried the color duo out at home and my mani actually lasted a week, which is the same amount of time a gel lasts for me.
In case you’re wondering, 5-Free refers to five ingredients found in most nail polishes —formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate, toluene, camphor and formaldehyde resin — which are toxic, and may cause harm when inhaled or absorbed into skin.
2. MyChelle’s Refining Sugar Cleanser
This banana bread-scented facial cleanser and scrub in one is so fabulous that my husband stole it from me! Usually he avoids my “girly products” but he got one whiff of this and he went totally klepto on me.
The multi-tasking cleanser contains real sugar to exfoliate your skin, and it naturally dissolves leaving a gentle, foamy lather to wash away makeup and grime. It is vegan, gluten-free (important for Celiacs), EWG-Verified and free of parabens, petroleum, phthalates, silicones, sulfates, ureas, artificial fragrances, and artificial colors.
Though I’ve heard that all of these things are “bad,” I never really knew why. MyChelle’s Licensed Esthetician Catie Wiggy filled me in:
“Many of the chemicals found in skincare items cause irritation, can lead to breakouts, cause sun sensitivities, and even deteriorate the skin’s barrier function,” said Wiggy.
She also made me this handy chart to sort them all out! >>
Wiggly also told me about four more environmentally dangerous chemicals found commonly in sunscreen that experts say are damaging our coral reefs. MyChelle’s awesome sunscreens are free of all of these as well.
3. Aura Cacia’s Recover Body Soak + Revive Body Clothes
If you’re a natural beauty maven, then you’ve likely already seen these products in Whole Food’s personal care section. I, on the other hand, was bewildered by the area — at least until recently.
Perfect for soothing those sore muscles after a long week of circuit training, Aura Cacia’s aromatic bath crystals are made from all natural ingredients like pink Himalayan salt, ginger, lime, red clay, and essential oils.
The “Recover” blend is specifically suited for active individuals and can be used to make a warming pack for direct application as well.
No time for a long, luxurious bath? They’ve got the athlete on-the-go covered as well with their alcohol-free body cloths. These wipes are perfect for a quick, post-workout clean-up when you don’t have time to shower.
Fun fact: Aura Cacia is the sister brand to Simply Organic, which makes incredible spices and products like these insanely delicious steam packets. I used the Cajun Chicken one with cod recently and it was absolute perfection.
4. W3LL PEOPLE’s Bio Extreme Lipgloss + Universalist Multi-Stick
Of all the things I was skeptical of when it came to trying natural beauty, makeup was a top concern. Would the colors be vibrant enough? Would it be as durable/long-lasting? W3LL PEOPLE’s products put those fears firmly to rest.
Their Berry Bio Extreme Lipgloss is now my everyday shade, adding the perfect pop of color for casual and glamorous looks alike. For anyone who’s had trouble finding a gloss that is the just right balance of stickiness, let me tell you, this is IT. It stays on great but doesn’t make you feel like a walking fly trap.
The berry Multi-Stick is an amazingly versatile product providing vibrancy to cheeks, lids, and lips as well.
Both are free of any of the other junk we already talked about including harsh artificial chemicals, preservatives or petroleums. I also had the chance to speak with W3LL PEOPLE’s co-founder Shirley Pinkson, who filled me in on a few more chemicals to watch out for:
Silicones have both health and environmental impacts. First, they can build up in the environment over time—they are “bio-accumulative.” They are not biodegradable. Because the silicone sits in a layer on top of the skin keeping in moisture, it also keeps in any sebum, dirt and bacteria that may already be on the skin. Once the skin is irritated, it will breakout. So, it is common to hear people say that silicones in products break them out. Also, prolonged use of silicones may also lead to allergic reactions and may cause sensitive skin to react adversely.
Petrolatum/Mineral Oil is derived from crude oil. It’s used as an emollient or lubricant in products such as lip balm and eye makeup. It coats the skin like plastic, clogging the pores (YUCK) which interferes with the skin’s ability to eliminate toxins, promoting acne and other disorders.
Oxybenzone + Avobenzone These are chemicals that help other chemicals penetrate the skin. This skin penetrating duo is often found in sunscreen. Experts suspect that oxybenzone disrupts hormones (i.e., mimics, blocks, and alters hormone levels) which can throw off your endocrine system. Scary fact: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 97 percent of Americans have this chemical circulating in their bodies, as it can accumulate more quickly than our bodies can get rid of it.
5. ZENBand + ZENTone from Blooming Wellness
This is the only non-beauty product on the list but since it helps with so many things beauty-related I thought it was essential to include.
This cool new headband has built-in headphones, making it perfect for listening to music while running in frigid winter weather or doubling as a sound/light canceler on a cross country flight — simply slip the band over your eyes while you nod off!
The ZenBand was created by Dr. Erin Stair, M.D., M.P.H., and comes with one of six ZenTone programs, designed with specific tone patterns to mimic desired mood states and help with conditions like insomnia, stress, and anxiety.
I’ve been listening to the Focus + Attention program while studying for finals and I’d like to think it’s improved my productivity. Although I have also been drinking a lot of extra maca lately, so who knows.
So now to the main reason you’ve read this post all the way to the end – the giveaway!
Today’s giveaway includes over $250 worth of fabulous products:
- SpaRitual GOLD Flexible Color in Sensual, Beautiful, and Beloved + the GOLD Flexible Topcoat ($72)
- MyChelle Refining Sugar Cleanser ($25)
- Aura Cacia Recover Body Soak + Revive Body Cloths ($22)
- W3LL PEOPLE Fall/Winter Beauty Essentials Kit ($110)
- ZENBand + ZENTone Program (of your choice – $27.99)
Use the widget below to enter and one lucky winner will be chosen this Friday.
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy Thanksgiving week!
PS: If you live in the L.A. area and love organic beauty, I highly recommend you try the new organic Parisian nail spa, Can Can Parleur on La Brea.
They have the most incredible Roses + Champagne mani/pedi that will make you feel like an eco-friendly A-lister, plus the only natural gel manicure in town using bio seaweed gel.
Charlsie N says:
I’m most excited about the body scrub and the clothes. Those seem so interesting to me!
Rita says:
The sugar cleanser that your husband stole from you. I have been on the hunt for one that does the job that it’s suppose to do. Love your site!
Whitney English says:
Thanks for the kind words Rita! :)
Jade says:
I love the ZENBand idea! I definitely agree with you – great for any outdoor activity so you don’t need dangly earplugs and for sleeping comfortably and warmly on the plane!
Liz says:
I’m most excited about the cleanser!
Allison says:
These products look awesome – I am always looking for new trys! The Multi-Stick looks amazing!
Kayley says:
I’m most excited about the ZenBand and ZenTone because I’m always looking for ways to relax and reduce anxiety.
Lisa says:
I’m excited about the Wellness lip gloss – love your review of it!
amanda says:
The body cloths! Always running around after a work out.
Whitney English says:
Same! They’re super handy!
xosonja says:
Ahh, it’s so true and this makers me feel like I need to completely revamp my makeup routine.
These all look amazing – I especially want to try the cleanser. If Abe wants it though, I’ll have to hide it away from the hubs haha
xoxo
Whitney English says:
Haha, yes you have to!! The thing about guys too is that they don’t really seem to know HOW to properly use products. Abe will squirt out a 1/2 C. for each cleansing – I’m getting a new one and hoarding it :)
Edye says:
Definitely the cleanser!!!
paige c says:
the refined sugar cleanser sounds awesome!
Danielle says:
I’m totally on board with all-natural, paraben-free beauty products! That cleanser sounds amazing.
Jacqui says:
I’m obsessed with painting my nails, so I’d be most excited to try the natural nail polishes!
Lindsay says:
I have got to try that polish, it sounds amazing! I am all about natural beauty products because the effects of the chemicals in so many brands is just straight up scary!
Shirley says:
At my advanced age I’d like a lipstick that lasts and will be healthy for my dry lips.
Whitney English says:
This one is SO moisturizing :)
Krissy @ Pretty Wee Things says:
I definitely agree with you, it’s a little scary how many chemicals are in beauty products and how easily they are overlooked. I started switching to more natural products (80%) of the time a few years ago when my mum did and have noticed a huge difference in skin irritation. I always thought I had ‘sensitive’ skin but actually I think it was just the products irritating it. Love the look of the makeup, I definitely find makeup products that hardest to find. xx
Julia says:
I’ve been on the hunt for a new face wash for sometime, especially a brand that leaves out the unnecessary junk while keeping my skin clean and clear. I love that it’s gentle enough for a doing a tough job in getting rid of the day’s work. I’m also excited for W3LL people lip products as I’ve fallen in love with their mascara!
manda says:
I am excited about the zenband.
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says:
ooh that body soak looks great and perfect for winter time.
Ellen says:
I’m excited most by the body soak!
Jennifer Sinquefield King says:
I was using Juice Beauty items from the Alcia Silverstone collection but it was discontinued
Whitney English says:
Ohh, I def recommend trying W3LL PEOPLE then! I’ve never tried Juice Beauty but this stuff works great!!
Calli says:
I am excited about the nail polish. Most polish has so many chemicals!
Devin Self says:
I would love to try the gel polish and the Beauty Essentials Kit!!! It’s so hard to find polish without chemicals and for it to be gel is a plus! And i just love beauty products so the kit would be great!
Krystal says:
Love the ZenBand!
Lesley says:
I always buy natural or organic products for my little girls and am trying to do the same for myself.
Jessica says:
I’m most excited to try the cleanser! I’ve been switching to all non-toxic products as well.
Jamie D says:
The sugar cleanser sounds absolutely amazing! That is definitely the one I’m most excited to try out.
Sharareh says:
Love the revive body cloths!! Def could use those after a workout! Curious if you’ve ever tried Juice Beauty products? They’re great on my skin and score little to nothing on toxicity tests!
Whitney English says:
I haven’t tried Juice Beauty before but you’re the second person to mention it here – now I’m intrigued! However, a commenter below said it’s been discontinued…know anything about that?
Julie says:
I’ve tried SpaRituals and love it. I really want to try the W3LL PEOPLE lip stuff – I’m trying to wear more lip gloss/lipstick lately.
jennifer says:
that zenband looks amazing! would love to try that, and the body soak sounds lovely.
Ashley says:
I would love to try that cleanser and the gorgeous shade of lip gloss!
DJ says:
I really want to try the W3LL PEOPLE Fall/Winter Beauty Essentials Kit .
Jennifer Dene says:
I have been cleaning out my kitchen + bathroom cabinet this year and swapping to mostly natural products. It seemed crazy to me that I was spending so much money on certain foods and then lathering my skin in chemicals : ) I’m not 100% switched over, and will probably never be, but I love the changes I’ve made so far.
Thanks for the review of these products! I would love to try that Zen Band! I’ve never heard of it but think it would be fabulous … I always struggle with keeping earphones in so this could be the ticket : )
Happy Thanksgiving xo
bobbi says:
Aura Cacia Recover Body Soak + Revive Body Cloths sound wonderful
Emily Hines says:
I have been dying to try W3LL People products!!
Annette says:
I’m most excited to try Aura Cacia’s Recover Body Soak.
Tamara says:
Would love to try the Zen Band
Meghan says:
I’m most excited to try the Aura Cacia recovery soak. Baths are my favorite self-care ritual!
Angela Lai says:
I would love to try the cleanser!!
Lynne T. says:
I am most excited about the MyChelle Sugar Cleanser.
Annie B says:
I’d love to try the Multi-Stick! :)
Sebastian Wijaya says:
hii..
i just love these lipgloss and these all look so good ..really appreciate your work..
thanku..
Jackie B says:
Natural products means natural beauties. Thanks for sharing this!