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Beautifully Conscious

October 14, 2019

Follain Green Beauty ProductsAs a follow-up to last week’s post about sustainable style, I’d like to share a few other “green tips” as you continue to make purchases that can impact your health and our planet.

Beauty: Did you know that cosmetics sold in the US are not required to have FDA approval for their ingredients?  In fact, according to the Environmental Watch Group, cosmetics have fewer regulations than pesticides.  The only regulation passed by the FDA (in 1938, no less!) mandates false claims on packaging with no regard to the actual ingredients found in the products.

I take my skincare very seriously and was initially concerned about the effectiveness of products that didn’t contain ingredients created in a laboratory.  I had tried products off the shelves of health food stores and wasn’t impressed with their efficacy (nor packaging); however, the clean beauty space has been revolutionized in recent years with even cosmetic retail giants such as Sephora taking notice and starting to shelve clean brands.  And, I have noticed a HUGE difference in my skin since I have begun using clean products.  In the past, I have struggled with inflammation and rosacea.  My nose and cheeks frequently used to be red, requiring makeup to conceal.  Since changing to plant-based, all natural products, my skin tone and evenness have dramatically improved.  So much so, that I rarely wear makeup.  And I haven’t had to sacrifice effective anti-aging products; there are many products that contain powerful ingredients found in natural (fruit acids are one such ingredient), which exfoliate and renew skin cell turn over.

A one-stop beauty resource I trust is Follain.  If you are in the Seattle area (also Bethesda, Boston, Dallas and NYC), you can pop-in to Follain’s beautifully designed store to seek a consultation in person from one of their experts.  However, Follain also offers an online skin quiz that can help you replace some of your more toxic beauty favorites and/or address your skin concerns.  In addition to their rigorous oversight, I also love how Follain curates the best products within each line that they carry (rather than simply carrying an entire line).  This way you can be sure that you are getting effective products that have been tried and tested.

Effective Clean Beauty Productsclockwise from left: Rahua Leave-In Treatment, Kari Gran Lip Whip, Tata Harper Floral Essence, French Girl Neroli Eye Serum (also found at Delia Skin & Nail Boutique), Well People Mascara, Kjaer Weis Foundation (pictured above)

For those readers shopping in Seattle, I highly recommend several salons and spas that focus on using clean and natural products.  The first is Sarah Kahn Hair located in lower Queen Anne.  Aside from Sarah’s amazing hair color work (which I obsess over on Instagram), her beautiful boutique also stocks several favorite hair and cosmetic products including Rahua hair products, Kjaer Weiss cosmetics and Herbivore Botanicals skincare.

Looking for an effective yet organic facial?  Look no further than Bella Fiore Medical Spa in Queen Anne.  I’ve been doing their Infusion Facial for a year now – this is an alternative to a chemical peel and uses only natural fruit acids to gently yet effectively exfoliate and refresh your skin.  I’ve also done a number of their medical spa treatments including IPL and, most recently, their Platelet-Rich Plasma facial (check out their video…you may recognize the client!).

Delia Nail & Skin Spa Manicure

If you are concerned about the toxicity of nail polishes and also the cleanliness of the spa, then a trip to Delia Skin & Nail Boutique is in order.  With a wide array of colorful non-toxic polishes (including gel polish) and 2 expert technicians who specialize in nail art, your mani doesn’t have to suffer in the name of the environment!  Also, their technicians work at ergonomically correct seats and their pedicure bowls don’t have jets or a drain (which can harbor yucky bacteria).  Plus their new space is absolutely stunning…beautiful spa plus beautiful nails!

Dropps Dryer BallsHousehold

There are many “green” cleaning products on the market.  However, I caution you to do your homework as “green washing” is something very popular within this industry.  I’ve been surprised to learn that a number of products sold on the shelves of popular grocery store chains and even Target, include harmful chemicals.

One brand I have been really impressed with is Dropps.  I’ve been using their felted dryer balls for more than a year.  Think: no dryer sheet waste and no synthetic fragrance (one of the greatest chemical offenders!).  Instead I put a few drops of lavender essential oil on the balls and my laundry smells fresh!  I’ve also been using their laundry detergent pods (both the unscented detergent and the oxi booster pods).  Free from fragrance, dyes, chlorine, phosphates, and enzymes, the detergent is an excellent alternative to your grocery store brands.  Additionally, all of the products are sent in recyclable cardboard and the pod membranes are made from biodegradable and water soluble polyvinyl alcohol (which is broken down micro-organisms like yeast, fungi and bacteria).  Less plastic waste and a cleaner detergent…it’s a win!

Reduce, Reuse & Recycle

This may be a tip only for my fellow Seattlites, but it’s definitely worth looking into a similar service in your city.  I’m so excited to have subscribed to Ridwell; a service that offers expanded recycling in the greater Seattle area.  What to do with those batteries, light bulbs, and plastic film (this is a biggie!)?  Ridwell recycles all of these and far more than our city recycling program offers.  How does this work?  Ridwell partners with local companies and nonprofits to turn things normally sent to the landfill into new things.  Each pick-up, they will take your bags full of plastic film, batteries, light bulbs and old clothes (I reserve the ones that are not fit for donation or consignment – holey socks, camp t-shirts, rags, etc).  In addition, each pick-up offers a rotating category; last pick-up was electronic charging cords, up-coming categories include broken jewelry, outdated eye glasses, and corks.  There is also an extra charge for recycling styrofoam.

Being mindful of recycling with Ridwell has also brought to my attention just how much we discard each day.  With reuse in mind, I have started finding products that will not be trashed after a single use; like these mason jar lids (my metal ones always rust), reusable cosmetic wipes, and washable nylon produce bags.

What are your green tips?  I’m constantly learning.  Please also share any clean beauty or household products.  After all, this is a journey.  And when I try any suggestions, I will be sure to share with this community.

Also, please be sure to follow along on Instagram.  I tend to be sharing more there these days, with lots of everyday greening tips (among other real life) found both on my feed and in stories.

Thank you for visiting my corner of the internet! ~Jenn

Comments: 2   //   Category: Beauty

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  1. Angie

    October 14, 2019 at 9:21 am

    Love all this info! I used lavender oil on my dryer balls for a long time until a friend told me to research possible hormonal interruption in boys. Just throwin’ it out there… i found it interesting.

  2. Jennifer Lovin

    October 14, 2019 at 4:23 pm

    Thanks Angie! Good to hear from you. And thanks for the tip on the lavender oil…I’ll have to look into that further.

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Each day I’ve intended to post here. I greeted t Each day I’ve intended to post here. I greeted the new year feeling inspired with a renewed intention for my account; to share with you the goodies I love, wear, try. Unfiltered and honest. That’s what I’m here for. But then...2021 arrived feeling much like her older sister, 2020. Instead, I’ve avoided a lot of social media; choosing to tune into various news outlets and into my family. So, HERE WE ARE. A post proving that I got dressed yesterday, wearing some of my new favorites (these @flamingosshoes white boots!) and steady stand-bys (year 2 wearing this @notmondaymercantile beanie on repeat). I took the kids out after school to run a couple of errands and connect with a business I love to support; we made plans for a spring share. Man, it felt good to get out! And now, I’m posting early before I’ve read the morning news. So, it’s happened. 
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Please stay safe, remain respectful, and true to yourself. Social media is a beautiful way to connect, create, and inspire...but can also be a dangerous rabbit hole of misinformation and an opportunity for people to behave in a way they ordinarily wouldn’t in person. Off my soap box. Have a lovely Friday!#wordsfrommyheart #realoutfitgram #flamingosshoes #whiteboots #notmondaymoments
Happy New Year my dear friends! I’ve missed you Happy New Year my dear friends! I’ve missed you all but enjoyed a nice long break. Heading back home after some snow time and I’m feeling re-energized (for now). Isn’t it funny how a change in the calendar can make you feel different? Are you a “new year, new you” kinda gal or more indifferent? I do like a good reset. Even though we’ll be doing more of the same early this year, I’m feeling more optimistic. For now. Cheers to 2021!
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Also, posted in stories a nearly identical photo of us from last January at the top of @schweitzer_mountain. While the photos look the same, it’s fun to think that we now are Sandpoint homeowners! A positive outcome of 2020. #newyearonthemountain #snowbest #schweitzermountain #skifamily
Snow plus a Christmas sweater...I’m checking all Snow plus a Christmas sweater...I’m checking all the boxes this year. Thinking of everyone not able to spend time with loved ones this year. I’m so grateful for our little family but really missing my parents, siblings, nieces and nephews, my in-laws.  Over a year seems far too long to be apart; but we all need to continue to be safe. It matters. #christmassweater #christmas2020 #staysafestayhome #vintagesweater
Let’s make merry! Although holiday traditions ma Let’s make merry! Although holiday traditions may look different this year; we have an opportunity to get creative and share in new experiences. Like the new-to-me homemade marshmallow recipe, @thekirstyfiles and I have the pleasure of bringing to you in partnership with @pacific_place. We encourage you to invite a few pals to a zoom date, pop a bottle of bubbly, and create these delicious confections together. I promise they’re relatively fool proof (I pulled them off!) AND a sugar-high afternoon spent with friends (even virtually) will be sure to get you in the holiday spirit! Tune in to Pacific Place’s IGTV or YouTube to see the full tutorial, including my gaff when my marshmallow began moving into the “hard ball” territory (note: this recipe does require a candy thermometer and the ability to read it!). Cheers to making the most out of holiday 2020! #homemademarshmallows #pacificplaceseattle #craftingtogether
Ooooh...how I love a good shopping day with a frie Ooooh...how I love a good shopping day with a friend. The belly laughs, chit chat, and groans (as we tried on a number of jeans) provided the escape from reality that I needed. Sometimes you don’t realize just how much you miss something until you get to enjoy it again!
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Other things I love? Soft luxury cashmere, designer denim that fits like a glove, and packable hats (yes, packable!). All can be found @willaseattle; a small, women-owned boutique located in the heart of the Queen Anne neighborhood in Seattle. Be sure to check out our stories as @thekirstyfiles and I share holiday-perfect gifts for your sister, mother, girlfriends...yourself! Lucky for Kirsty and I, our husbands also know the lovely owner, Liz (and she has our wishlists on file)! 
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Also very near and dear to my heart, Willa is the epitome of shopping local. The shelves are stocked with unique, small business designs; including many Seattle businesses. When you shop local, you not only support your community but also curate a look all your own!
#shoplocalseattle #seattleboutique #seattlestyle #happytoshare
Continued chronicles of dressing stylishly for you Continued chronicles of dressing stylishly for yourself, aka #stayathomestyle. Sure, 2020 may be the year of the sweatpant (combined with a sleeping bag-like coat, as seen here). And yes, a mask chain is this year’s hottest accessory. BUT I still take care to actually get dressed each day. And while lipstick may no longer be a part of my daily routine (I mean, was it ever??), it’s still important to be pulled together..if only for my own mental health. And even if no one else sees it but the grocery clerk. #whatmamaworemonday #sweatpantsseason 
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PS. Did you know I usually tag everything that I’m wearing? It may not all be current, but DM me if you want more details.
A few days late but still so grateful. We’ve spe A few days late but still so grateful. We’ve spent a lot of quality time as a party of five, braved a few big changes, and (mostly) survived 2020. #dontjinxit #partyoffive #practicegratitude #seattlefamily 
photo: @chelseamacorphotography
On the eve of Black Friday sales bonanza, I hope t On the eve of Black Friday sales bonanza, I hope to inspire, remind, urge, and even beg you to ignore all of the crazy cyber sales that have been creeping into your inbox for the past week and instead SHOP SMALL this holiday season. Yes, perhaps it’s less convenient and even less of a “deal” but this pandemic is putting an even greater strain on the small and local businesses that are the absolute life blood of our communities. And, in addition to supporting an entrepreneur and neighbor, you’ll likely find more creative, individual, and unique gifts for your loved ones by shopping a small business.
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Are you in the Seattle area?  Hit me up with questions about my favorite local haunts and finds. I’ve got so many ideas to share; together we can help blow your holiday giving out of the water this year! #shopsmallthischristmas #supportsmallbusiness #shopsmallseattle #seattlestylist
This sweater is at the top of my wishlist! Come ch This sweater is at the top of my wishlist! Come check out @sskein.co knitwear for yourself and visit with designer @e_for_elisa tomorrow during a private trunk show at Emry Boutique in Madison Valley. Simply dm @shop.emry to schedule your visit (attendees are being staggered for safety). Not in Seattle? Check out Elisa’s amazingly cozy, baby alpaca designs online. These knits are the perfect gifts for your mom, sister, boyfriend...self. Because 2020. They deserve to be snuggled in luxury! (And so do you). #sskein #smallbatch #ethicalfashion #shopsmallseattle

welcome to my blog

Thanks for reading! I began this blog in early 2014 as an outlet to share my styling tips and tricks, and disseminate shopping wisdom. I am honored when readers make a connection; whether it’s learning how to make the latest fashion trend your own or finding the perfect new addition to your wardrobe. Thank you for stopping by and spending a few minutes of your day sharing in my passion for fashion and style! ~Jenn

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