We have all gotten rather used to hearing about how we are what we eat these days.
As in, how everything we put in our mouths has a direct affect on our health and wellness.
But did you ever stop to think that this very goes for what we put on our skin too?
Spoiler: It very much so matters. Why? Because our skin is a porous organ – the largest, organ, in fact, of the body.
What this means is that your skin absorbs what you put on it, and what you put on then enters your blood stream, cells and other internal organs. Which, you know, starts to sounds pretty scary when you start reading the ingredients list of your favourite beauty products.
But it doesn’t have to be like this. You could start 2019 by doing your health a massive favour in changing your beauty products to ones that are clean, green and good for your body. The good news is that the list of great green products just keep getting bigger, as producers are wising up to consumers looking to use products that won’t actually harm their health.
I am a massive believer in clean beauty products, and am always on the hunt for new ones to try and add to my routine. Currerntly, though, I can not enough of these 10:
1. Votary Super Seed Facial Oil
Fragrance-free, anti-irritation, calming, and deeply nourishing, Super Seed Facial oil is made from 22 different seed oils for skin that is sensitive, in hormonal flux or unsettled. Packed with vibrant goodness, it gives you healthy, glowing skin. And eys, it’s pricy, but I have been using mine for well over a month now, and I’m not even close to having used half a bottle, so I reckon you get a good 3-4 months out of a bottle. And FIY, my skin feels super-healthy and totally nourished.
€91, Votary.co.uk
2. Korres ‘Black Pine’ Advanced Firming Active Oil
I first discovered Greek natural beauty brand Korres on a trip to Rhodes years ago. I initially bought this amazing Greek yougurt after-sun product they have, and fell in love – and ended up spending most of my holiday budget that summer on stocking up on more of their gorgeous products.
Lately, I have been testing this gorgeous facial serum, which is choc-a-block natural lipids and black pine polyphenols, helping to restore skin’s firmness and volume. I just massage it onto my face in the morning, after I wash it, and even though it is really rich, it sinks in quickly, and keeps my skin feeling nourished and plump all day long.
€54, Debenhams
3. Eos Organic Pomegranate Raspberry Lip Balm
This is simply the only lib balm that will do for me now, and I have a little pot of these everywhere, in my bag, on my desk, on my night stand, you name it. Currently loving this flavour – as it makes me feel like summer really is around the corner.
€5.99, Boots
4. Pestle & Mortar Exfoliate Glycolic Acid Toner
I am a huge fan of Irish brand Pestle & Mortar, and have been using many of their (amazing!) products for a long time now. So needless to say, when they recently brought out a brand new exfoliator, which uses to glycolic acid to even out and brighten skin, I was dying to test it out. And guys – it is SO good. I have been using it for a week now, and I swear the skin on face looks smoother and more glowing already.
Even better – I have quite sensitive skin, and have often before notice my skin doesn’t really take well to exfoliation of any sort, but this did not irritate it at all, and actually left my skin feeling so dewy, as it seemed to make other products I use sink in better too.
€29, Pestle & Mortar
5. Antipodes Grapeseed Butter Cleanser
This is – and will forever be – my go-to cleanser. I have tried many, many others over the years, and even bought the iconic (and expensive) Eve Lom cleanser for years before stumbling upon this one, which I now recommend to everyone who will listen.
I put a small amount of this in my hand and massage into my face (face massage is amazing for your complexion, didn’t you know) every night. Then I just use a regular face damp cloth to clean it all off. And guys – it feels like I have just had a facial, I swear. My skin feels fresh, super-clean and looks light it is lit from within. Even better? It is certified organic, contains no nasty chemicals and will last you a good two months.
€32.95, The Health Store
6. The Organic Pharmacy Deodorant Spray
If you are still using conventional deodorants, make 2019 the year you swap – it could be the best thing you do for your health. And don’t worry – I am not saying you should stop wearing deodorant, I am just saying use one that is not going to fill your body with aluminium, parabens, artificial preservatives, colorants and fragrances – all of which standard deodorants are chock-a-block with.
I love this one from The Organic Pharmacy. Your local health store will no doubt have some great options too.
€25, The Organic Pharmacy
7. Trilogy Very Gentle Hydra Mask
This is my little self-care treatment of choice. Whenever my skin feels like it needs a little TLC, I use this mask for a few minutes.
I am a big fan of many of Trilogy’s skincare products (their Rosehip oil is a cult product for a reason), and this mask, which contains maqui berry oil and nourishing sweet almond, is perfect for calming irritated, reactive skin (which is the case for many of us this time a year).
€28.95, The Health Store
8. Weleda Skin Food
If you buy one product today, make it this one. Weleda Skin food is literally my desert island product. Dry lips? Cracked heels? Flaky cuticles? This ultra nourishing cream will take care of it.
€14, Holland & Barrett
9. Ella + Mila ‘A Proposal’
I recently made the swap to non-toxic nail polish and have fallen hard for the gorgeous range from vegan and animal cruelty free Ella + Mila. This shade is my go-to for everyday, and love the shade ‘Wine me Up’ for evening time!
€14.95, Skinfull Affairs
10. Dr Bronner’s Lavender Castile Liquid Soap
A cult product even Meghan Markle keeps in her bathroom, this soap is perfect for use in the bath or shower in the evening time, with the gentle scent of lavender instantly soothing your frazzled mind, and making you feel ready for bed. Oh, and did I mention it is fair trade and vegan too?
€14.99, Nourish
