Cosmedix

Ok, so the post title may be a bit dramatic and over exaggerated, but I couldn’t justify the first title idea — “My Favorite Natural Skin Care Products” — because I honestly don’t know the true definition of natural in terms of skin care… thoughts?

Just I strive to put natural, chemical-free foods into my body, I try to do the same with whatever topical skin care products I use. My bathroom is not completely “natural and chemical-free.” You will find hairspray, generic nail polish remover, and the like, but I certainly have a desire to use plant-based products. Our skin is our largest organ; it’s porous (obviously!), so what we put on our body makes its way inside our body. Especially if we are using products day after day after day — it adds up.

I am not a beauty queen by any means (ahem, I’m just now learning to curl my own hair at age 26); but, I am a sucker for self-care and pampering. My make-up regime is very minimal, yet my bathroom is adequately stocked on quality skin care products.

I’ve dealt with acne since I was teen, so most of my current products are targeted at minimizing breakouts and healing any pigmentation and scaring. I see an esthetician about once per month for treatments, so a couple of my favorite brands are due to her suggestions and expertise. I also like to peruse the skin care aisles at my local natural food stores for new eco-friendly, health-conscious products.

I believe what’s going on inside our body is reflected through our skin, and I do not think products are the answer to clear, glowing skin. That said, sometimes we all need a little help for whatever type of skin issue we may have; and, as I mentioned, the self-care/pampering aspect is worthy enough of a splurge on a special product or two.

These are by no means all of the products I use daily (i.e. missing hair care, body lotions, sunscreen, lip balm, etc.), but are merely old and new favorites that I love and use regularly.

100 Percent Pure

Coffee Cherry Sun Damage Corrective Cream

I use this face lotion under make-up (if I’m not wearing another SPF face lotion) and also at night after cleansing my skin; since it is a thicker lotion, I only wear it under powder during the day. The scent is absolutely divine.

Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream

This is one of the company’s top selling products. My esthetician thinks everyone should use eye cream, and she suggested applying it both morning and night. This small tube lasts a long time!

Pure Purity Facial Cleanser + Mask

I use this as mask only. I use it a few times each month, in rotation with the my other masks. I also use it to spot treat blemishes on occasion. It’s that hard clay type of mask that feels like you are sucking the dirt and oil out of your pores. I tend to find myself using it more around that time of the month when I need extra pampering.

100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Foundation Powder

I just started using 100% Pure pressed powder (as recommended by my esthetician) after years of wearing Bare Minerals powder foundation. So far, I am really liking the pressed powder. It is very light, so it’s not for those who like full coverage make-up. It has active sun screen ingredients (titanium dioxide and zinc oxide), too, which is always a plus.

“All natural formula packed full of anti-aging vitamins, antioxidants and skin purifying eucalyptus, soothing calendula, chamomile and rose, oil absorbing rice powder and flattering color from fruits and vegetables. Does not contain talc, chemical preservatives, fragrances or any other toxins.”

Fresh Face Masks

I recently treated myself to the Fresh Mask Must-Haves gift set. Sephora has a killer deal! I’ve used three of the four masks (seen below) and enjoy them all. The Sugar Face Polish is heavenly. I love the grittiness from the brown sugar and strawberry seeds. I’ll use it as a scrub and then let it sit on my face for 5-8 minutes. I’ll apply the Black Tea Firming Overnight Mask a few nights a week. It’s silky smooth, and I do wake up with softer skin. The Rose Face Mask smells of a rose garden blooming in spring. I don’t know if I would buy this mask individually for my own skin care needs, but I will most certainly continue to use it this winter for its hydrating properties.

CosMedix

Purity Clean (“exfoliates, decongests pores, and cleanses skin of surface oil and impurities”) is my daily face wash. I use it with my Clarisonic brush no more than once a day (more than that causes excess exfoliation and strips my skin of moisture). Again, this brand was recommended by my esthetician.

I use the Clarity Serum to spot treat blemishes. It works like a charm.

“Salicylic Acid, Tea Tree Oil and Willowherb deeply exfoliate and purify impurities while helping balance oil production. Aloe Vera soothes the appearance of agitated, problematic skin.”

Misc.

I’ve tried a gazillion “natural” deodorants. A gazillion because a lot of them do not work (a.k.a. eliminate the stink factor). I always look for deodorants (I’m not a proponent of antiperspirants) without aluminum. Currently, I am using Kiss My Face Liquid Rock deodorant. It’s cheap and seems to do the job.

My dad has used Dr. Bronner’s pure-castile liquid peppermint soap for as long as I can remember, but I didn’t start using it myself until more recently. My mom and I took a small bottle to Europe as a multipurpose soap (i.e. doing laundry in the sink). I often find Dr. Bronner’s on sale at TJMaxx, but most natural food stores carry it. Oh, and Target sells it, too.