Welcome to my first beauty blog. At first glance it may seem somewhat unconventional for me, but it is actually a “green” beauty blog, to align with my wellness practice.
“Green beauty” is a term used to indicate products that are not harmful to our health or the planet.
I first became aware of green beauty while taking a course during my holistic nutrition program 6 years ago. The entire course covered various areas of practicing a healthier lifestyle from noise pollution (unplugging all electronics), biodegradable products, less potent household products to beauty products.
With our skin being the largest organ, it made so much sense that we would have to be mindful of what we are putting on it. Over the years I slowly transitioned from using well known “brand” named beauty products to ones that were more conscious of the chemical composition.
At first it was hard as I couldn’t find many products that performed as well as the more popular brands, but today so many companies have become mindful of their effects on the environment, cruelty to animals as well as safety to ourselves. Below I will share with you my top makeup, skin and body care products that align with these practices.
SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER
Briogeo Hair Care- Be Gentle, Be Kind Superfoods Hair Pack
While I have been using Briogeo for the past year, and this pack was gifted to me by the company in conjunction with Sephora, I truly love it.
The duo is 97% naturally derived, with no parabens, no sulphates, no artificial dyes, vegan and cruelty free.
They are green juice inspired with the shampoo comprising of apple and matcha, and the conditioner with apple and kale. It is perfect for dry hair, leaving your hair feeling silky and soft.
https://briogeohair.com/products/be-gentle-be-kind-superfoods-hair-pack
HAIR MOUSSE
Giovanni Natural Mousse Air Turbo-Charged Hair Styling Foam
This natural, organic, vegan free hair mousse is perfect for adding texture and height. It is scent free and doesn’t cause build up. It is one of the few hair products that is rated low on the “think dirty” app.
https://well.ca/products/giovanni-natural-mousse-air_11442.html
DRY SHAMPOO
Giovanni Powder Power
Another product from this company, the powder power is the perfect dry shampoo.The nozzle helps to control where the powder is going. This power helps to add volume and shine, while reducing the amount of oil at the scalp.
https://www.amazon.ca/Giovanni-Powder-Power-Boxed-50-Grams/dp/B009V0YT34
SUNSCREEN
Coola Face Mineral Sunscreen SPF30 Matte Tint
This organic unscented sunscreen is lightweight, so perfect for all skin types, including oily (which is what I have). Being lightly tinted, it is perfect to wear on its own. You can also buy this in other scents including citrus mimosa and cucumber.
https://well.ca/products/coola-face-mineral-sunscreen-spf-30_136565.html
BODY LOTION
100% Raw Virgin Coconut Oil
I’ve been obsessed with coconut my entire life. As an islander, I’ve always been drawn to anything coconut derived or scented. So naturally I use coconut oil as my moisturizer.
It is chemical and preservative free, and is 100% raw.
https://shop.skinnyandcompany.com/products/coconut-oil-2oz
SELF TANNER
Eco Tan Cacao Tanning Mousse
This is my favourite self tanner. While I don’t use it very often, when I do use it, I am always pleasantly surprised by the natural results. Additionally, it is natural, organic and vegan.
You can use it on all skin types and even on the face!
https://well.ca/products/eco-tan-cacao-tanning-mousse_149820.html
DEODORANT
Eco Tan Coconut Deodorant
Did I mention I love coconut? This natural, vegan and organic deodorant is my absolute favourite. Finding a deodorant that worked, smelt great and was organic has been a 5 year battle, and this is the closest I’ve come to finding one that checks all those boxes. And it’s also unisex!!
https://well.ca/products/eco-tan-coconut-deodorant_149786.html
BODY SCENTS
When I was transitioning to replacing all my beauty products with organic ones, the biggest struggle for me was body scents. I was a huge lover of perfumes by Narcisso Rodriguez and Michael Khors. But slowly over time I fell in love with other more natural scents, especially body oils.
Body Mist from The Body Deli- Tahitian Vanilla
This is my favourite every day scent, reminding me of a tropical vacation. The Tahitian vanilla scent uses extracted oil from vanilla orchid.
https://www.thebodydeli.com/collections/mists/products/tahitian-vanilla-face-body-mist
Body Oil – Plumeria roll from ‘au ‘au Hawaii
Aside from coconut, I am obsessed with plumeria (also known as frangipani)- it is my favourite flower. I was ecstatic to discover this scent initially when I was in Bali, then subsequently found this online. I love that it is roll on and travel size friendly.
https://www.auauhawaii.com/shop-1/beauty-oil-mini-plumeria
Body Oil- Maion Louis Marie No. 4
NOT PICTURED
This perfume oil is my all time favourite!! It is sandalwood based but reminds me of flowers that used to ladden the isles of church weddings back home in Barbados. I smelt it on a girl in the gym last summer and needed to track it down. When I discovered that it was rated clean by Sephora (sulphate free, paraben free etc), I was beyond delighted.
https://maisonlouismarie.com/products/no-04-bois-de-balincourt-perfume-oil
FACE KIT
Fre 123 Skin Care set
Fre skincare is a line for women who workout that is formulated for skin that sweats. I had been interested in trying this brand out, especially after learning it is made with organic Argan oil, it is vegan and cruelty free, and best of all for every skin care set sold, an Argan tree is planted.
The products are amazing. They remind me of a spa- I love the smell of eucalyptus and the feeling that my face feels extra clean. I highly recommend this line, The face wash especially is my favourite to date.
To my pleasure, the brand reached out to me to collaborate. So I am excited to offer 15% off using the code “STS“.
FACE MOISTURIZER
Osea Atmosphere Protection Cream
Pronounced “OH-SEE-YAY”, this female empowered company focuses on using non-toxic ingredients and packaging.
I have been using their products for a while, purchased from Detox Market, but earlier this year I was gifted a package from them for me to try. I am sharing some of my favourites including this cream.
I love that this cream is lightweight, and works well under extreme weather conditions (winter, summer heat wave). It does initially seem expensive but this bottle lasts over 6 months, with 2 uses a day so works out price point to your average Shoppers brand.
https://oseamalibu.com/collections/shop/products/atmosphere-protection-cream
FACE TONER
Osea Sea Minerals Mist
Also by Osea, their sea minerals mist is the perfect toner. I love that it prepares the skin for maximum absorption of your moisturizers and serums. For me, I find that it helps reduce redness in my skin and helps with some acne irritation.
https://oseamalibu.com/collections/shop/products/sea-minerals-mist
FACE OIL
Osea Essential Hydrating Oil
I am very particular about face oils as I often find them too heavy for my face, often leading to breakouts. I love this one from Osea as I find it helps with hydration (people often think oily skin doesn’t need hydration but it does especially at night), leaving my skin looking plump.
https://oseamalibu.com/collections/shop/products/essential-hydrating-oil
Be sure to follow Osea on social media or sign up to their newsletter as they often have sales, so you want to be in the know when to stock up at reduced prices.
EYE MASK
Gold & Snail Hydrogel Eye Patch
I first came across this as recommenced by welltodo.com .
I was a bit hesitant as I saw that it uses snail slime extract, but I learned that no animals were harmed in the process. I absolutely love this product! I find that it helps with the tightness around my eyes, feeling refreshed. It apparently works with dark circles and blemish scars but I admit I use them once a month, so not often enough to see these results. But I have used them while travelling and loved that it helped my eyes look refreshed post flight!
https://www.amazon.ca/Gold-Snail-Hydrogel-Patch-Petitfee/dp/B014BVW62S
OVERNIGHT MASK
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask
Korean products are making waves in the beauty industry especially because many of them are comprised of natural derivatives, like this one.
I am absolutely in love with this night mask. I wake up with my face feeling refreshed and I love how it smells.
And here’s a secret I will share with you that I discovered earlier this year during one of my travels; I put it on right before my flight and it helped prevent my skin from drying out or breaking out.
https://www.glowrecipe.com/pages/glow-recipe-watermelon-glow-sleeping-mask
FACE WIPES
Niu Body Skin Wipes
Available in normal, combination or oily skin, these skin wipes are 100% natural and do the trick of removing makeup and keeping the face clean. They are formulated with coconut oil and other oils.
And the best part for me is that the creators are Torontonians, which is more incentive for me to support local smaller businesses. You can purchase online or purchase at a number of business across the city (I usually purchase mine from the Daily Press juicery on Queen).
https://www.niubody.com/collections/makeup-remover-wipes/products/combo-skin
LIPGLOSS
Kopari Beauty- Coconut lip glossy
If there is anything I love more than buying bikinis, it’s buying lipgloss. I am a sucker, of course, for the coconut flavours. I especially love that this gloss is super moist even during the Canadian winters.
https://www.koparibeauty.com/products/coconut-lip-glossy
Flawless by Friday Lip Serum
The concept behind this brand is using natural ingredients to minimize time and maximize results. While this is a lip serum advertised for plumping, it is the infusion of honey and moist after effect that I love, plus the shiny look for everyday wear.
And the company is a Toronto brand, so a further incentive to support.
https://www.flawlessbyfriday.com/collections/lips
BRONZER
Vita Liberata Trystal Pressed Self Tanning Bronzer
This is one of the few bronzers that I discovered to be paraben free, chemical and sulphate free, that also happens to be organic. It is a bronzer that offers a subtle lasting tan, which I love because I don’t wear foundation so love that it can add a little colour to my skin.
https://www.vitaliberatacanada.com/trystal-minerals-pressed-self-tanning-bronzer-bronze
CONCEALER
Hynt Beauty- DUET Perfecting Concealer
This is probably one of the cleanest concealers I have come across. They won multiple green beauty awards for being naturally preserved.
The concealer is lightweight, yet it offers coverage for dark circles and blemishes. I put it on most days at 5am and it lasts all day.
It can be purchased online as well as at the Detox Market.
https://hyntbeauty.com/product/duet-perfecting-concealer/
MASCARA
Well People Mascara
A premium non-toxic mascara that is natural and chemical free. I am extremely particular about my eyes and after hearing multiple horror stories about mascara damaging the inner eyes and under the lids, I refuse to take any chance by using chemical filled brands.
The expressionist mascara pictured above allows for fuller lashes that separates and nourishes. I purchase mine at the Detox Market, but can be purchased online as well.
https://w3llpeople.com/expressionist-mascara-pro-black-1074.html
*****DISCLAIMER- most of these items were purchased by me, and even those that were gifted by companies, there was no promise of a blog post or review. In fact, said companies are not even aware of this post. These opinions are 100% my own.*********
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog. Please stay tuned as I continue to share more wellness and fitness posts with you.
xo,
Jessy
