Test Driving natural Skincare

Over the past few months, I’ve been on a quest to switch my skincare and shower products over to more natural options, without all the harsh chemicals and parabens found in so many popular name brands. Ever since my Generalized Anxiety Disorder and vitamin deficiency diagnosis last spring, I’ve become very conscious about what I put in my body, (no nitrates, all-natural chicken and turkey wherever possible, calming teas and essential oils, no artificial sweeteners, healthy doses of veggies, and daily vitamin supplements), because I've realized how much it can affect my mood and energy-levels. I figured it was time to do the same with some of my beauty rituals. I was reluctant to give up loyalty to some of my favorite products, but in doing so I’ve found some great new products that I know aren’t putting junk into my body. This is just a start – natural products tend to be a bit pricier so I can’t transition all at once, and I'm finding it hard to give up the make-up brands I love – but I feel good about the small changes I’ve made so far. If you’re looking to make some healthy changes to your beauty routine, I hope my reviews below are a good start! Click each photo to shop the products I tried.

Acure Organics Facial Toner
​This product was a refreshing way to wake up my skin each morning. The packaging was what drew me towards it. Unlike the toners I've seen before that come in a bottle, this one was a spray (no cotton balls needed!!). I've been putting three spriztes on my face before I apply my daily moisturizer, and it’s a cool, energizing kick to my sleepy skin. I really liked this product! 

---

---

Nourish Organics Lightweight Moisturizing Face Lotion 
​This moisturizer doesn’t have a soft rose scent like I was expecting. It also feels a bit thick and takes a while to sink into my skin compared to my old moisturizer (I was a die-hard Olay Beauty Fluid user), so I had to apply it and then brush my teeth, etc. while I waited for the moisturizer to dry so I could put on my makeup. I didn’t love this lotion, and for the price I think I could’ve found something I like better. I will continue my search for a new - and natural - daily moisturizer!

---

---

Acure Organics Night Cream
​This cream is a winner. I've been applying it every night before I go to bed, and it’s thick but not too greasy or heavy. It really helps to moisturize my skin after I cleanse my face. No more dryness when I wake up in the morning!

---

---

Deep Steep Color Vibrancy Shampoo 
​This shampoo doesn’t have a big lather or suds like I’m used to, but it smells nice and leaves my hair feeling clean without buildup or a heavy residue – and it’s gentle on my highlights! I might keep looking to see what else is out there, but you can't go wrong with this shampoo.

---

---

Jason Natural Satin Shower Body Wash in Lavender 
​The lavender scent of this body wash is so relaxing at the end of the day, and you can’t beat the price on this giant tub that will last for ages. It doesn’t feel super moisturizing, so I still have to follow up with my (non-natural) in-shower body lotion, but overall this is a nice body wash. I just wish it came in a wider variety of scents (I’m all about the musk/amber/vanilla) when it comes to my skin.
 

---

---

Tom's of Maine Natural Aluminum-Free Deodorant in Wild Lavender 
For several years I’ve used Secret Clinical Strength Deodorant – and for a while I really needed to ;) – but I've been wanting to switch to a natural option. This deodorant by Tom’s has a pleasant smell, rolls on smooth and without a white residue, and it doesn’t have the harsh chemicals that other deodorants have. It has kept my pits smelling fresh all day during cooler temperatures, but it remains to be seen how it holds up in temperatures over 80.

---

---

In conclusion, my introduction to natural skincare has been a successful one! I've found some great products that I love and I'm excited to keep trying more. I'm still on the search for a better daily moisturizer that I love as much as Olay, so if you have suggestions I would love them! If you give any of these products a try, let me know if you feel the same. ​Xoxo