I started “cleaning” up my beauty and household a couple years ago when my husband and I were about ready to start a family. (synthetic fragrance and parabens etc are hormone disrupters!) I detailed the household items I cleaned up in a series I called “Detoxing my Charleston Home”. You can read a summary here. I haven’t talked much about the beauty items I’ve transitioned to, well, because I am no beauty blogger but after two years I’ve found quite a few I’ve loved and want to share with you.

I keep it pretty simple. I don’t pile on 5 layers of serums and lotions every night or every morning and I don’t wear a whole lot of makeup. But I do love trying new things and finding clean/non toxic options because I use most of these every day and what I put on my body every day is important to me.

I use the Environmental Working Group app, Think Dirty and sometimes Yuka to scan the product, or search online for it and cross-reference between them for ratings. The lower the number, the better. I’ll share just the EWG rating for each of these below.

Morning

Every morning I use Beautycounter’s Vitamin C serum. Vitamin C serum helps with dark spots, uneven skin tone, wrinkles, and it brightens skin. I’m in my 30’s now; sign me up! (EWG Rating: EWG Verified which is essentially a 0/1)

Sometimes I layer Beautycounter’s Adaptive Moisture Lotion on top if I am feeling dry, especially in the winter. (PS I promise this is NOT an Ad for Beautycounter and I do not sell it). (EWG Rating: EWG Verified)

In my Detoxing my Charleston Home UPDATE blog, I mentioned how I switched to Native aluminum-free deodorant. I wrote that post in May 2020 and I’m excited to report that I still use it and love it. I’m not exaggerating when I say I tried around 9 different brands before landing on Native and committing long-term.

Yes, I still sweat a bit. This is inevitable with aluminum-free because there’s no anti-perspirant. On the really hot and sweaty days, I have to apply twice. But I feel like this one works the best and irritates my underarms the least. Plus, I have loved every scent I’ve tried. (Usually I try to stay fragrance-free but this is something I compromise on). They have a fragrance-free option if you prefer that. (EWG Rating: 3, only because of the fragrance. The fragrance-free is rated a 1).

Evening

I never go to bed with makeup on. The thought makes me cringe! I tried probably 7 kinds of makeup remover wipes before I just gave up because they all made my eyes and skin burn. Plus, they’re kind of expensive!

I discovered the Makeup Eraser. It’s fragrance free and it’s really just a microfiber towel. I can’t explain it but it works wonderfully. No burning skin or eyes plus it’s reusable and washable. And it’s saving me money!

Sometimes I don’t get under my eyes well enough, so I use Beautycounter’s Cleansing Balm on a Q tip or cotton ball and gosh it works wonders. Also doesn’t irritate my eyes or skin one bit. (EWG Rating: EWG Verified)

OK last Beautycounter product, I swear. Every other night I use the Overnight Resurfacing Peel. By the way the name is misleading because it’s not a peel. You apply on your face and neck and it stays on all night. People swear by it. Not sure I notice a huge difference but it makes me feel like I’m doing something good for my skin with a cleaner product (it improves skin texture and boosts clarity) since I’m creeping closer to my “mid 30’s” (GASP). (EWG Rating: 5)

Shower

I dabble between two different face washes. I love a true exfoliant but I know it’s not good to use all the time so I alternate. Acure Brightening Facial Scrub is my #1. One time I was at Whole Foods when I needed a new face wash. I scanned just about every single brand there that was under $15. It is great and I promoted it to my go-to (EWG Rating: 2).

I also use this sensitive face wash by Burt’s Bees. I love that it’s easily accessible at Target where I am at least twice a week. (However it looks like it’s actually cheaper on Amazon right now). I think Burt’s Bees tends to get overlooked but they have a ton of clean products worth checking out. Here is their full product list on EWG. Stay tuned- there’s 2 more Burt’s Bees on my list.

I selected Native body wash for my everyday use after success with their deodorant, and I trust them as a brand. Love their refreshing cucumber and mint scent. They don’t use fragrance with their body washes, just extracts. (EWG Rating: 1).

Trader Joe’s Shaving Cream. This is in my top 3 “If I got stuck on a deserted island what would I bring” list. I am fully committed 4 life. I always have at least 2-3 of these stocked up because I am irrationally paranoid about running out. I have not used another shaving cream in probably 10 years. The end. (EWG Rating: 4).

Other

I use Burt’s Bees chapstick all day every day. I’ve tried other chapsticks here and there because I’m like, come oooonnn Val, you gotta try new things. Nope. Love that tingle. Need that tingle. I have one in my purse, by my nightstand, in my car, on my coffee table. If one runs out, it’s a borderline travesty. (EWG Rating: 1).

I used Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter for pregnancy number one and here I am using it again for pregnancy number two (already?! pant pant). It’s suppooosedly suppose to help prevent stretch marks, but science says they’re genetic. I can’t say for certain that it works since my son was born 6.5 weeks early but I’m sure as heck giving it another go just in case. It has shea butter and it’s fragrance free. (EWG Rating: 2)

Every women needs that perfect mascara and for me is L’oreal’s Telescopic Mascara. It doesn’t clump at all, ever, so it can easily be layered. My mom put it in my stocking for Christmas a few years ago and now I get one every Christmas because she found me a winner. (EWG Rating: 6)

I hope this helps if you’re trying to clean up your beauty products. Do you currently use any of these? Let me know if you try any and love them, too!

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