Benefits of Pure Macadamia Oil for Hair

Recently I purchased pure organic macadamia nut oil to use as a leave-in treatment for my hair. I had tried a few hair oils but they were too heavy for my thin hair and my hair always ended up looking greasy.  Macadamia oil is the best hair oil I have ever used. I purchased the Aura Cacia 1 fl oz pump bottle of Macadamia Oil which is pure and organic. Not to mention, it smells amazing! The product is marketed as a skincare oil, but there are many benefits to the hair.

I apply a pump or two of the oil onto the ends of my hair soften and moisturize. Macadamia oil also makes the hair shiny and manageable. The high Omega 7 in this oil makes the texture  similar to the hair's natural sebum which enables the oil to moisturize the hair and scalp. It also enables it to sink into the hair quickly without leaving any greasy residue or build-up and will not weigh down the hair. The benefits of Macadamia oil are similar to Argan oil however, I find that it absorbs much better into thin, fine hair.

Review: Shea Terra Organics Rose Hips & Carrot Perfecting Serum

Today I am doing a review of my current favorite serum! It is the Shea Terra Organics Rose Hips & Carrot Perfecting Serum. 

I have been using this serum for a good part of 2014. I first bought it in the middle of last winter when I needed extra moisture but ended up shelving it during the warm summer months. Now that the cold weather has returned, this serum has been added back into my daily skincare routine.

The serum has only three ingredients: certified organic rose hips oil, cold pressed Egyptian carrot seed oil, and seabuckthorn oil.

The serum is a runny consistency and is the color of honey. It smells very earthy which may be a mix of the carrot and seabuckthorn oil (you really can't smell the rose). Once rubbed into the skin it creates an instant glow. I must mention how much I love the packaging. It is in a glass bottle with a pump which I am already planning to reuse for some sweet almond oil. I love that most of Shea Terra's products come in glass bottles. They look great on the shelf, are durable and are perfect to recycle for another use. The 2 oz bottle costs $32 but the amount you get seriously lasts a long time.

This serum works for all skin types and may be particularly beneficial for acne prone skin (like mine) since the oils are very healing but it is also good for mature skin since the ingredients are anti-aging as well. According to the Shea Terra website rose hips oil can reverse sun damage, decrease scarring by regenerating skin, help heal acne and improves rosacea. The carrot seed oil, which is rich in vitamin E and beta carotene, retains moisture, improves smoothness and calms irritation. Although I think there is a minor amount of seabuckthorn oil in this serum, it has been raved for helping heal acne.

The serum is runny, with a honey color

I only use this serum at night since it is a heavier consistency and takes a while to sink completely into the skin. When I first started using this again I was using this in place of a nighttime moisturizer and I thought maybe it was a little too heavy for my skin . However, I recently experimented with mixing it into my moisturizer I was using for day and I love the results. I am currently using Om Aroma & Co's Truffle Face Cream for Normal Skin. I put a dime size of the moisturizer in my hand and add one pump of the Rose Hips & Carrot Perfecting Serum and mix together. It is super hydrating and sinks in quicker.

Adds an instant glow to the skin

I can tell that this serum hydrates extremely well- I have no dry patches on my face at all! It does definitely add a glow and helps to even out my skin tone. I haven't seen any dramatic results with healing acne but it does not clog my pores (when using it mixed with a moisturizer) and it does not add to any breakouts either. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking to try out a serum that can tackle a few concerns at once. I would 100% repurchase this item.

Are there any serums or moisturizing oils you are currently loving? I would love to hear about them in the comments!

x Lauren

How to Shop for Natural Products and Understand Labels

Ever pick up a face cream only to realize you have no clue what is being said on the bottle? Yes, the words are in English but you find yourself wondering “formulated without what?” or pondering terms such as “derived from natural origin.” You’re not alone. Understanding terms and ingredients will help you make decisions next time you’re in the skincare aisle without wanting to run to the nearest dermatologist for help.

Know the difference between natural and organic

Believe it or not, natural and organic are not interchangeable. Each carry their own claims. A natural product is one made from ingredients in nature which are not synthetic or created in a lab. With natural products you will often see “derived from natural origin” specified in the ingredients list indicating that the natural ingredient may have been altered or combined with another ingredient. Also, there may be a claim as to how much of the product is natural. For instance, 98.8% natural could mean that there is a small percentage of preservatives used to extend the life of the product.

Organic products use natural ingredients that have a lot more weight to their claims. Organic ingredients are grown, manufactured and preserved without the use of any chemical herbicides, pesticides, fungicides or antibiotics.

Recognize organic labels

There are no country-wide regulations for skin care companies when putting organic claims on their labels. They may simply state that the ingredients are organic and label the item as such. However, companies can get their ingredients certified for use of seals that prove and represent their ingredients have passed strict regulations. There are several seals all with different standards. When choosing organic it is best to go with a product that has been certified, passed regulations and can bear a seal.

　

USDA Organic

This seal issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture can only be on products which are 95-98% organic (excluding water) and the product must provide the name of the certifying agency.

　

COPA: California Organic Products Act

Products must be at least 70% organic excluding water. Any items with organic claims that do not fulfill these requirements are not permitted to be sold in the State of California.

　

NSF: National Science Foundation

Products with this seal must have 70% organic ingredients and must also state the exact percentage of organic product on the label.　

　

Familiarize yourself with harmful ingredients

Familiarizing yourself with ingredients is probably the most important thing to do when switching to natural products. Knowing which ingredients to avoid will help you identify truly natural products. Reading the ingredients of a product is the first thing I do at the store. In a truly all natural product you will recognize probably all of the ingredients as food items. If it sounds edible, that’s what I go for! You’d be surprised to find that sometimes labels are misleading and may boast natural ingredients but are still full of toxic chemicals. Many popular products found in stores contain harmful or harsh elements that can damage or irritate skin. Some can even lead to some serious health risks, such as causing allergic reactions or affecting hormones.  These ingredients are synthetic, lab made and are found in your average face wash or cream. What makes natural or organic products different is that they are made without such ingredients. The products listed in my previous post here should be absent from the ingredients list on products claiming to be natural or organic.

Review: DermOrganic Daily Conditioning Shampoo & Masque Intensive Hair Repair

 

I have been using the DermOrganic Daily Conditioning Shampoo and Masque for about two months. These DermOrganic products are Cruelty Free & Vegan, are 70% organic and are both made with Argan Oil. They are sulfate free and are safe for color treated hair and for use everyday.

First off, I love that they are pump bottles. It makes it super convenient to store and use in the shower. However, when you are nearing the end, it may be a little difficult to get the last little amount out.

The shampoo has a very light, clean scent. It foams up really well, which for a natural shampoo is not usually the case. The shampoo cleans really well and does not cause any build-up. What is super important for me is that the shampoo is really gentle on the skin and does not dry out my scalp. I use about 6-7 pumps to cleanse my entire head. Like I said, I have been using this for two months and I still have around half of the 12 oz bottle left. 

I have tried quite a few natural conditioners and was never really a fan of the thin consistency that most of them have. This one is really thick and coats my hair great. It also has a yummy apple scent. I use this everyday and I love how smooth and manageable it makes my hair. It claims to repair damage. I feel like it prevents damage more than repairing it. Overall, I think this is a great conditioner. I would definitely repurchase both the shampoo and conditioner!

I buy mine at Drugstore.com, they are both $15.

Ingredients to Avoid in Skin and Body Care Products

Thinking about switching to a greener lifestyle or just curious about what's in the products you put on your body everyday? I've compiled a list of ingredients to look out for and reasons to avoid them. 
The items listed below should be absent from the ingredients list on products if you are looking to clean up your routine.

Parabens

What they are:

Chemicals used to prevent growth on microbes. They are frequently identified on labels as ethylparaben, butylparaben, methylparaben and propylparaben.

Why you should avoid them:

They have been linked to cancer and have been known to disrupt hormone production  and can lead to breast cancer or reproductive toxicity.

Sulfates

What they are:

Chemicals that are responsible for producing lather including Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate.

Why you should avoid them:

When absorbed into the skin in large quantities, the chemical can mimic estrogen leading to problems with PMS and menopause as well as breast cancer.

Synthetic Fragrances and Dyes

What they are:

Scents and coloring agents that are not made from natural ingredients.

Why you should avoid them:

They may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions especially on sensitive skin.

Petrochemicals

What they are:

Chemicals derived from petroleum or natural gas. They can be recognized under the names of ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, propylene glycol, benzene, phenol and acetone.

Why you should avoid them:

Some can cause skin irritants while others such as benzene are carcinogenic, which means they are possibly cancer causing in high doses.

Phthalates

What they are:

Chemicals that help products absorb into the skin and are known as dibutylphthalate or butyl ester.

Why you should avoid them:

They may cause severe skin irritation.

GMOs

What they are:

Genetically modified organisms which could include natural products that have been genetically altered. The only way to be sure your product is made without GMOs is if the ingredients have been organic-certified.

Why you should avoid them:

Genetically modified crops can have traces of pesticides, insecticides or hormones that can be absorbed when product is applied topically.

Triclosan

What they are:

Often used to kill bacteria on skin and is found in face washes.

Why you should avoid them:

Research has shown that they alter hormones in animals, may contribute to antibiotic resistant germs and may be harmful to the immune system.

Goodebox May 2014

As you may have read in a previous blog post of mine, I made the switch to all natural beauty products this year. This included me canceling my Birchbox subscription and opting for a natural alternative beauty subscription box. After researching for a while I decided to sign up for Goodebox. It is a little more pricey than Birchbox, it is $18 a month (Birchbox is $10) but I know that natural products are generally more expensive so I was willing to go a little higher.
This is only my second Goodebox, so I am still getting a feel for the brand and deciding if it is worth the $18. What I do love about this box is that I do get a lot of products that I can take on the go, like the individually wrapped makeup wipes I received in this box. I also love that they offer a coupon code for almost all products in the box, generally for 15-20% off.

 Here is a look at what I got this month.

Blum Naturals - Daily Cleansing Towelettes (10 individually wrapped)

Beauty Without Cruelty- Sweet Lavender Hand & Body Lotion

Goddess Garden- Natural Sunscreen SPF 30

Primal Pit Paste- Natural Deodorant ....How funny does this sound?? It smells really great and I actually tried making something similar at home. I think this will be good to have in my purse for emergencies

Seventh Generation- Hydrating Boost Serum

Waxelene - Petroleum Jelly Alternative

Healthy, Vegetarian Recipe: Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti Squash. Spasta. Squashta. 

Whatever you want to call it, it's amazing and guilt free!  I make the "spaghetti" for this dish on Sunday and put it in the fridge to use all week. It is super easy to prepare and use to make quick, healthy dinners. Here is a guide to preparing the squash and a few recipes I like to make.

To Make Spaghetti Squash

You need:

• Spaghetti Squash
• Baking Sheet
• Aluminum Foil
• Large knife to cut through the squash
• Spoon, Fork
• Olive Oil
• Salt and pepper

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Cover one baking sheet with aluminum foil. Cut the spaghetti squash in half length wise. Scoop out the seeds like you would a pumpkin. Drizzle olive oil on the inside halves and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Place the halves on the sheet with the inside facing down. Bake for 35-45 minutes.
Once baked, let it sit for a few minutes until it is cool enough to handle. Then flip over the halves and use your fork to rake the squash. The squash will start to come apart and resemble spaghetti.
Store in a container in the fridge until you are ready to use.

Recipe #1 
Spaghetti Squash Marinara with Onion, Mushroom, Spinach & Goat Cheese
 In a pan heat some oil (I like to use coconut or olive oil) and saute some mushrooms and onions. You can even add a little chopped garlic. When the onion and mushrooms are soft, add your desired amount of spinach. I like to add 2-3 large handfuls. Then add in your spaghetti squash and stir until heated. Remove from heat and add crumbled goat cheese. Stir. In a sauce pan, heat marinara sauce, or any other sauce you'd like and add it on top.

Recipe # 2
Spaghetti Squash Primavera
  In a pan heat some oil (I like to use coconut or olive oil) and saute fresh, chopped garlic. Add to the pan several grape tomatoes, whole or halved width wise. Add a few handfuls of spinach. Once the tomatoes and spinach have wilted a bit add the spaghetti squash and heat until warm. Finish with grated Parmesan.

Use This, Not That: Current Natural Skincare Routine

This year I finally decided replace all of my skincare, haircare, makeup and body products to ones that are natural and/or organic. I have always preferred natural products, especially for skincare but let's be honest, they are a lot more expensive than a bottle of Neutrogena face wash. Since the beginning of the year I had begun to phase out all of my old products containing sulfates, parabens, chemicals and any products with ingredients I could not identify. I have officially replaced everything with natural alternatives and let me tell you, it was not so easy, especially when I realized I will most likely not be shopping at Sephora anymore.

This will be my first "Use This, Not That" post to outline which products I am now using. I will also be posting some DIY skincare "recipes" and even keep an eye out for some vegetarian recipes, as I have been experimenting with cooking quite a bit lately.

Here is a breakdown of what products I used to use and what natural products have replaced them.

Face Wash

What I was using before: Cetaphil Cleanser
What I have replaced it with: Michael Todd True Organics Honey & Oat Cleanser , Full Size $22

 The Honey & oat cleanser is really a favorite of mine. I have a full size and travel size so I can have it at all times. It is extremely gentle on sensitive skin, foams and removes makeup easily. What I love most about it is the fresh, orange scent.

Toner/Facial Spray

What I was using before : Burt's Bees Rose Water Toner- Which is natural and I still love! But since I ran out I wanted to try something new
What I have replaced it with: Heritage Store Lavender Water & Glycerin , 8 oz $8.99 (but you can get it on Vitacost at a discount! This is my referral link to get $10 off your first Vitacost order!
The lavender facial spray is calming and relaxing. I like to use it in the morning before I leave the house, as well as before and after yoga class. Oh, and take a look at their ingredients and tell me you're not intrigued!
Ingredients: Vor-mag Water (water that has been vortexed and magnetized to raise the energy to a higher vibration that we believe to be more beneficial), Vegetable Glycerin (USP Kosher) and Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil.

Face Serum

What I was using before: Origins Mega Bright
What I have replaced it with: Shea Terra Organics Rose Hips & Carrot Perfecting Serum, $32
This is a serum and moisturizer for me. It's perfect for cold or warm weather and repairs damaged skin and improves acne.

Face Mask

What I was using before: Murad Pomegranate Exfoliating Mask
What I have replaced it with: Shea Terra Organics Baobob & Coconut Water Dull Skin Face Masque, $24
I have to be honest, I bought this because of the packaging and how unusual it sounded. The product is in a glass bottle with a cork stopper (although now that I look at the website it seems they have changed the packaging recently). The product is in powder form and you mix with a little bit of water to form a liquid paste. It really does work and makes your face look glowy.


Are there any natural skincare products you love or think I should try? Share with me in the comments :)