enJOY it

I've written about some natural skincare products a few times before (here is the very first post) but I figured it was time for an update of some of my favorites that we use around here daily. Some of these products I have been using since I made the switch to less chemicals (in September 2011) and others I just started using in the past few months.

click to enlarge.

I carry the swatch above (it's from There's Lead in my Lipstick) in my wallet and refer to it when I am buying something new. If the switch to "green" feels overwhelming, I recommend starting small – if you're out of sunscreen, switch to a new tube without oxybenzone. When you run out of facewash, try a different one that's formulated without sulfates. This doesn't need to be an all or nothing change. I remember feeling panic when I started learning about all this and that panic can be crippling. Don't feel like you have to do everything (or anything, of course!) all at once.

So what's the point?

Well, long-term, ideally, I'm keeping my body healthier by being mindful about what I am slathering it in. (But it's not like I've given up using my cell phone and who knows what that will do to me in long-term?) In the present though, using "greener" stuff (products without harmful chemical and toxins) has helped me cut back on the amount of "stuff" I have to use. My face is much clearer than it has ever been (despite crazy hormone changes). My legs and arms are so much less dry despite the exact same amount of showers and less lotion use. And everything here, despite not having chemicals (or, more likely because they don't), works. It cleans, it heals, it protects against the sun.

Babo Botanicals 30 SPF Clear Zinc Sunscreen : just picked this up for Ellerie and I've been slathering it on my arms before walks as well. Ideally, shade and sunhats are better for sensitive baby skin than sunscreen, but sometimes we need it. (Our doctor recommended waiting until baby is 6mos old to use any sunscreen.)

Josie Maran facial sunscreen : LOVE this. Goes on evenly and not sticky like many sunscreens. The best "natural" face sunscreen I have found. I have the older version of SPF40 stuff, I have no idea why they changed their product to SPF47.

Mineral Fusion Natural Brands Mineral SPF 30 Brush On Sun Defense : I received a sample of this a few years back and have been using it now for a year. (I've purchased my own since.) I love that it's all one piece (no need to bring a brush and a container) and find the coverage excellent (but I am VERY minimal when it comes to make-up).

Rocky Mountain Soap Company lemongrass body butter : I received this as a gift from two Canadian blog readers right after Ellerie was born (thank you!!) and I LOVE it. A roller lotion? Are you kidding? So easy to use (and pack) and the smell is perfect.

Badger Baby Balm : we use this on Ellerie's dry skin and in the early days when her scalp was dry.

Avalon Organics Vitamin C cleansing milk : my go to facewash for nearly three years. I like the "milk" more than the wash.

Pangea Organics facial toner & facial cream : used nightly after facewash. These are just the best.

Glo Minerals sheer lipstick in bali : this is awesome (chemical free!) and such a fun pop of color for the occasions you want red lipstick. I'm wearing it in this photo.

Trader Joe's Tea Tree Tingle shampoo and conditioner : I just switched to these because my old stuff (Unite) is no longer being carried by my salon and the other stuff I tried left my hair gross and limp. Have to admit, the price break is AWESOME and this is working great. No sulfates so no foaming bubbles, but also no drying chemicals. My hair feels build up free which is so important because it's insanely fine. PS, while you're at TJ's pick up their dripless taper candles. BEST EVER.

Burt's Bees almond lotion : love this for "problem spots" like chapped hands (I wash my hand so many times a day it's awful), elbows and heels. Love the smell too.

*links throughout are affiliate.

Any favorites or recommendations you'd like to share? I would love to hear! I always learn so much from the comments section of these posts.