\ˌō-ˌna-tə-ˈrel, -ˌna-chə-\ (adjective) Naturally
I've recently been on an "all natural" kick when it comes to cosmetics, skin care, hair care, and what I put in and on my body in general. Now, I haven't gone 100% natural, but I've started to replace some of my products with their all natural counterparts. Below are some of my fave new products that I actually like more than my nasty old chemical-filled ones!
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| My current fave products are the Yes To Carrots Shampoo and Conditioner and Yes To Grapefruits Makeup Remover Wipes and Dark Circle Correcting Cream |
My new go-to natural brand is Yes To. Not only are all of these products at least 95% natural, paraben-free, petroleum-free, SLS-free, AND phthalates-free, but you won't have to go without dinner the next week to pay for them! I just pick mine up at the Walgreens around the corner, which usually has some sort of deal on them to boot. An added bonus: with each purchase, you help give back through the company's Yes To Seed Fund!
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| Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay leaves my skin uber smooth and detoxified and Organic Virgin Coconut Oil puts back all the nourishment that I've lost throughout the day. |
Once a week, I try to pamper myself with a little at-home spa experience and whip out my Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay. Again, yet another product that won't break the bank ($5.99 for a POUND!), is all natural, and - most importantly - works! I use a heaping teaspoon of the powder and mix with one teaspoon each of water and raw organic apple cider vinegar (more on this miracle product below), leave the mask on for 20 minutes, rinse it off, and admire my tiny-pored face.
Coconut oil is the new craze in the world of "going natural" and I can attest that it lives up to the hype. I prefer to use this brand but as long as it's organic and virgin, it'll do the trick. I use this for everything, and I mean EVERYTHING (I've heard people describe its uses to how the dad in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" uses Windex!). Hair's looking a little dry? I'll just rub a little in my palms and apply to the ends. Dry skin? Throw some coconut oil on it! Need a little pick-me-up? Just have a small spoonful, either by itself or in some tea! Seriously, coconut is my new do-it-all, natural product.
Coconut oil is the new craze in the world of "going natural" and I can attest that it lives up to the hype. I prefer to use this brand but as long as it's organic and virgin, it'll do the trick. I use this for everything, and I mean EVERYTHING (I've heard people describe its uses to how the dad in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" uses Windex!). Hair's looking a little dry? I'll just rub a little in my palms and apply to the ends. Dry skin? Throw some coconut oil on it! Need a little pick-me-up? Just have a small spoonful, either by itself or in some tea! Seriously, coconut is my new do-it-all, natural product.
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| I love adding a tablespoon or two to 1 liter of water and sipping on it throughout the day |
Raw, unfiltered organic apple cider vinegar has been a longtime staple of mine, ever since I read about all of its benefits. Not only it is great for skin and hair, but it acts as a mini-cleanse when ingested and cleans out all the gross stuff that's built up in your digestive tract.
While I still have a long way to go to replace all of my chemical-based products with natural ones, it's important to remember that everything should be in moderation. Even Miranda Kerr, supermodel and natural lifestyle activist, recently gave an interview where she acknowledges, "For me, it's 80% health-conscious and 20% indulgence. I try to avoid saying 'always' and 'never,' because we're human beings, and it's not always possible. But to be educated and aware of what you’re doing before you do it is the key," when talking about her natural lifestyle.
