What’s the saying…”it’s not easy being green?” And when it comes to overhauling your cosmetic bag and skin care regime, I couldn’t agree more! I’m afraid to look up the ingredients that I can’t pronounce in my favorite products. They work and are my go-to’s…yet I eat and feed my family organic produce, shun most processed foods, and care deeply about the environment. Why shouldn’t I apply the same due diligence with the products I apply to my skin?
And while I acknowledge that the process of cleaning up your beauty products is indeed a process (because change is slow…and expensive), I’ve found an online resource and store that makes it all so much easier. Earlier this year, I was introduced to Follain when they opened their first Seattle store in the University Village shopping center. I couldn’t be more inspired by their selection of thoughtfully curated and entirely clean skin and body care, and beauty products. After all, Follain in Gaelic means wholesome and good. Below I’m sharing a few of my initial products as I begin the process of “greening” my routine:
Hannes Dottier: sea masque | mineral mist | elixir of minerals
I’ve used this Seattle-made skincare line before and have loved the glowing results. Made from a combination of Icelandic sea kelp, spearmint, and iodine; this all-natural line is ideal for sensitive skin, such as mine. I apply the Sea Masque in the shower as it’s very gritty (I find it difficult to remove completely with a wash cloth); I gently scrub and then leave it on my skin for the duration of my shower. I use the Mineral Mist and Elixir of Minerals daily, spraying my face generously with the mist and then pressing the elixir into my damp skin.
The quest for the perfect natural deodorant is real! And very unique to each individual. I have been using Schmidt’s products for awhile and, while I believe that the deodorant worked quite well, it left a powder-like residue on my clothes that often stained (even after washing). Then I tried this paste from SoapWalla and I’m a convert. It’s easy to apply; you simply rub a nickel-sized amount of the product under your arm. I like the citrus smell, but it also comes without fragrance. And like all product found at Follain, it is completely natural, using a combination of shea butter, cornstarch, and essential oils to keep you dry and odor-free all day. I don’t find the need to reapply (as I have had to do with other natural deodorants). My only word of caution is to leave it in a dark, cool space. Like all natural products, this one does not contain preservatives and is prone to melting.
I have used Kari’s products for years. And yes, she’s an actual person (and a pretty great one at that!). She and her small-but-mighty team make her all-natural skin care line and cosmetics right here in Seattle as well. I love the lip whips – did you know that lipstick can be the greatest toxic offender in a woman’s cosmetic bag? Probably because we unknowingly ingest it while eating and drinking. I can’t live without Kari’s lip whip. I must have every color she makes (I actually do) – and they can create a myriad of options applying a light coat or more for a deeper color. My favorite is Jolene (I’m on my third pot!) but I also love the ‘Suji Red’ and the peppermint tint is my go-to lip balm.
La Bella Figura découverte under eye serum
Admittedly, I was hesitant to try this roller, oil-based serum because I was concerned about wearing it under concealer (and experiencing the dreaded slip). But the ultra-hydrating combination of botanicals with green coffee beans de-puff while smoothing those pesky fine-lines. Yet my concealer remains in place. Perhaps a miracle? Or, just a really effective product that is absorbed into your under eye area.
What green products are you using? What beauty products are you reluctant to change? Please leave a comment – we can come thru on the other side together. Healthier, greener…and still beautiful.
Thanks for reading! ~Jenn
This post was not sponsored by Follain. I just really believe in this brand and want to share the love.