Clean Beauty’s Newest Vitamin C Oil

Happy Spring Friends!! Today is going to get all the way to 77 degrees!! That is a big deal for us in CT. 🙂 I hope everyone is doing as well as possible considering the times we live in these days. So many decisions and debates out there. To vaxx or not to vaxx? The list goes on. But you came here to my blog for a bit of sunshine right?!?! Little escape from the real world. Today’s post I want to talk about a brand new product that I had the opportunity to test out before it came to market. So grateful for the incredible brands that trust me and know that I will always give it to you like it is. Also grateful for you my reader who trusts me to do that as well.

Flickr images reviewed by FlickreviewR 2, Tangerines, Tomatoes — Image from Wikimedia

Day Squad Face Oil

Without further adieu…ta da! Pleni Naturals launched their newest product called Day Squad Face Oil. Let me give you some details:

This oil is infused with the most stable and lipid soluble form of vitamin C (tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate) which easily absorbs without any irritation.
It’s sidekick tomato fruit extract works with the vitamin C to protect from UV and environmental aggressors.
Turmeric Oil is another ingredient used in the Day Squad Oil that brightens skin and helps keep a clear-looking complexion with its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Vitamin C & Sunscreen

I must admit I had no idea the connection between vitamin C and sunscreen. If you were under a rock with me LOL and didn’t know I got you! Allyson Owens (Founder of Pleni Naturals) says that there are a few studies out there that say that Vitamin C amplifies sunscreen protection. What?!?! Well I believe my girl Allyson but I wanted to find the research myself so that I give you the background information.

We pretty much by now know that vitamin C protects and treats against photoaging, hyperpigmentation, and increases collagen production. When used in the morning vitamin C also ‘works to combat exposure to free radicals and ultraviolet light throughout the day‘. Now this is the part that I didn’t know.

According to a 2013 study “sunscreens block only 55 percent of the free radicals produced by UV exposure…To optimize UV protection, it is important to use sunscreens combined with a topical antioxidant…Under laboratory conditions, it has been shown that application of 10 percent topical vitamin C showed statistical reduction of UVB-induced erythema by 52 percent and sunburn cell formation by 40-60 percent.” Holy Cow!! Sunscreens block only 55% of free radicals!! So in terms I can understand they go together like margaritas & tacos, chips & salsa, Oprah & Gayle, ok you get my drift. LOL! As a Real Simple article pointed out they are great alone but together they are a power couple. Now what?

Green Glam Girl Review

I was gifted a bottle of the Day Squad Face Oil a few months before it launched. So I’ve been using the oil for about 3 months now. This post is not sponsored although it does contain affiliate links. This is my honest review!

Long story short, I love the Day Squad oil! LOL! Right off the top let’s talk about ingredients. Nothing but the best of organic and natural ingredients. No junk! Now I know what you’re thinking “Francesca please, I don’t want to add another oil, serum or cream to add to my morning regiment. Ain’t nobody got time for that!” Seriously I get it. That is one reason I love this oil. The Day oil combines the moisturizing and the vitamin C step! It can be used as your last step in your routine. Now I will also mention that it is an oil and not a serum. Serums tend to be more potent than oils so if you need something stronger go with a serum.

As we discussed above, what makes SPF more effective is adding this gem right before applying your favorite SPF (this is mine). So if you are using at night which you totally can, that can be it if you want. For during the daytime my routine is:

Cleanse
Tone
Day Squad Oil (5-6 drops, although I tend to do a little less and it’s perfect)
SPF

Done and dusted, as one of my favorite British Peloton instructors says! Also, I really like the scent profile. It reminds me an extremely expensive oil I’ve tried in the past. 😉 According to Allyson “scent is coming a tad from the raw materials and also the essential oils turmeric, carrot and neroli”.

My skin feels so good and it truly does seem glowy. Let’ talk price. Vitamin C serums and oils can run you a range of prices. The Day Squad Face Oil is $48 which I think is a good bang for your buck. I’ve been using the same bottle for about 3 months.

That’s it for now! Again thank you to Pleni Naturals for putting out such amazing products that never compromise our health. Pleni Naturals products are Made Safe Certified. So you can trust its the best of the best ingredients and always safe. If you try the Day Squad Face Oil please hit me up and let me know what you think. GreenGlamGirl15 saves you at checkout!

Thank you for being here!

*Affiliate Links used. Opinions and thoughts all my own.

Best Organic Coffee with a side of Mascara

All I need is Coffee and Mascara! That is a mantra I can get behind. This may just be my favorite post yet! 🙂 One of my favorite things that I look forward to in the morning no matter what is going on is COFFEE!! Who is with me?? And with all the mask wearing the only makeup needed is a good mascara.

For the Love of Coffee

I come from a long line of coffee drinkers. My father was Sicilian and he grew up (in Bensonhurst, Bklyn) with his grandparents who were immigrants. I remember my mom joking about my dad being given espresso as a baby in his bottle. HAHA! My mom grew up in a Puerto Rican household (Williamsburg, Bklyn and Cobble Hill). She said her grandmother loved her Bustello. I still remember my mom’s old school percolator on the stove. That thing made the best coffee. I read a cute little article about the history of coffee and it said that “New Yorkers are said to drink 7 times the amount of any other U.S. city”. What can I say we love our coffee. I met my husband in a coffee shop for crying out loud! 🙂 So many important conversations, decisions are had and made over coffee.

Is Coffee Healthy?

Honestly I really dislike this question! 😉 For years there has been so many back and forth debates on whether or not coffee is healthy for us. Kind of like the great egg debate. I’m not going to debate it. You can do your own research and come to your own conclusions. However I will say that there is so much more information and studies in recent years that say in moderation coffee does have many amazing health benefits.

I do want to talk about the quality of the coffee beans you use. Yes there are antioxidant benefits to drinking coffee but unfortunately coffee bean crops are among one of the most heavily sprayed with synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides. Also found in coffee beans, are mycotoxins which is mold. Over time a build up of mycotoxins and pesticides can have a negative effect on our health. So what to do?

High Quality Organic Coffee

Drink organic coffee! If you really want to elevate your organic coffee find a coffee that uses high quality beans and screens for toxins. Fortunately for you I have found one that I want to share with you!! I came across the company called out of South Carolina. It was founded by Andrew Salisbury and his wife Amber along with Missy and Jon Butcher. They use 3 independent labs to analyze and test their beans. Purity roasts deliberately for health benefits. It doesn’t get any better than that.

My husband and I have been buying these beans for some time now and we are hooked. We are dark roast people or should I say I’m a dark roast person and he just drinks whatever is in the pot?!?! 🙂 They have a medium roast as well as single-serve and decaf coffee. For you Keurig owners they have coffee pods. I recently tried Pocket Purity courtesy of Purity. These are portable, environmentally friendly, single-serve sachets that do not require any brewing equipment. Just add hot water and let it steep. I was apprehensive to be completely honest. I mean it’s basically instant coffee right?!?! How is that going to be good? Self-proclaimed coffee snob here. Had my first cup of the Pocket Purity eh, not great, not bad. Then I tried again. I had to run out early one morning.

This time the sachet steeped for longer than the previous cup I had made. What a difference!! It really was so good. Now nothing is going to taste like a freshly ground and brewed cup of coffee in my opinion. But if you are traveling or on the go this is the next best thing. When I’m able to travel again these sachets are going in my bag!

Now I get it, this coffee is not inexpensive. So my friends at Purity gave you, my readers, a special coupon code. Use GGG20 for 20% off your order plus free shipping. Shop here!

Side of Mascara

Now you may be wondering what on earth does Coffee and Mascara have to do with each other? Well technically nothing. haha! But I saw this adorable little plaque at TJ Maxx one day and had to have it. I had to build a blog post around the both of them. This is how they are connected for me.

So most of us are pretty much in the same boat when it comes to mask wearing. No one enjoys it. For me where I live in CT, if we want to go into any stores we much have to be wearing a mask. So with all this mask wearing I gave up the makeup when going out. Unless I’m going to be on zoom you will find me makeup less! (Sorry neighbors)

In an effort to look more awake along with my coffee I’ve been just putting on mascara. Maybe a little eyebrow fill. Boy what a difference! Just that little swipe can make you feel so much better in my opinion. Don’t we all need a little pick me up?!?! A while ago I did a blog post about my 5 picks for clean mascara. I have tried so many more green beauty mascaras since then. What I’ve learned is that they are all not created equally.

My Picks for Best Clean Mascara

For today’s post I’m talking about my top 2! DRUMROLL PLEASE…

Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara $28.00
Erin’s Faces Matcha Mascara $27.50

Wow!! I’ve been loving the Limitless Lash Mascara (shop here) for some time now. The brush is what makes such a difference. It separates!! Also it stays on through the day, no flaking and no racoon eyes. I recently received the Matcha Mascara (Shop here) courtesy of Erin’s Faces. It truly does what it claims, lengthens and adds volume! The brush is different than Ilia and I have to say I don’t love it as much. But it separates and lifts and stays on. It also has lash serum so I’m curious if I see a difference over time. So impressed! Last but definitely not least is the fact that they are both packaged in glass which is environmentally friendly. Please let me know if you end up trying the mascara or the coffee or both. Stay tuned for a fun giveaway with both Erin’s Faces and Purity Coffee over on my Instagram page @greenglamgirl.

*Affiliate links used. This means that when you click the link I get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Opinions and reviews all my own, always!

2020 Small Business Black Friday-Cyber Monday Sales

What happened here?!?! We are in November talking about Black Friday?!?! Or as I like to say “Green Friday”. I think it was Dr. Sarah Villafranco, founder of Osmia, who used that term a few “Fridays’ ago. Anywho, it has been a crazy 8 months!! I don’t think anyone on this planet would disagree with that. If shopping online hadn’t become a part of your normal life it definitely did with this pandemic. And that won’t likely change anytime soon. So many brands recognize that and they began ramping up their inventory for a while now so that they would be ready for this time. I’ve said in the past and I’ll say it again, shop consciously. Shop for what you need. Don’t feel pressured to shop because “oh but it’s on sale.” It will still be there later on. You are going to see so many sales and it can be overwhelming. I don’t want to add to anyone’s angst. I will be focusing on Small Businesses. They can use all of our support. One thing they all have in common, they are all woman owned business. These ladies are awesome!! I’m going to list my favorite shops and their sales here and then that’s it. When you shop through my link I earn a tiny commission. Doesn’t cost you anything. But it helps me build my blog. Thank you for reading and I wish you all a healthy and safe week!

The Deals:

Angie Watts Clean Beauty: Angie Watts is new to me. I have tried 2 of her products and I truly love them. You know I don’t say that lightly. I use the Skin Awakening Cleanser & Toner first thing in the morning. It gives my skin a refresher. I also have been using the Sheba Hydrating Hair and Body Oil. I use it as a body oil right out of the shower. It’s so moisturizing. This week is extra special for Angie because her company is turning 5 years old. So amazing!! The Black Friday deets are as follower: NOVEMBER 27TH, IS THE EARLY BIRD SALE (5am-6am) 50% off EVERYTHING (except sets & merch) + FREE SHIPPING + Anniversary gift for the first 15 early shoppers. So for all you early risers this is the sale for you. Grab your coffee!! Next up is the ‘I MISSED THE EARLY BIRD SALE’ (6am-8am) 30% off EVERYTHING (except sets and merch) + $5 Shipping. Last but not least is the “I’M AWAKE NOW SALE” (8AM-MIDNIGHT) 25% Off EVERYTHING, 15% Off sets and merchandise. Shop here!

Art of Pure: This is such a great online shop that has all of your green beauty needs. The sale this year starts Wednesday (11/25) to Monday (11/30) and it is 20% sitewide with code THANKS20. No brand exclusions between Friday 11/27- Monday 11/30. If you spend $300+ not only do you get 20% as well but you also get a free gift valued at $84 with code THANKFUL (Free Gift includes a full size Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil and Lilfox Jungle Glow Mask. Shop here!

Brooklyn Made Natural: This brand is a women owned business. I found them a few years ago on Etsy and rediscovered them a few months ago. They have added so many new items since I lost touch. My current favorites are the Hand Soap and Lip Balm. Their sale is for one day only 11/27/20. 50% off doorbusters, 20-50% off the rest of their website and then Free Gifts with Purchase.

Erin’s Faces: The beautiful red-headed maven behind the brand is just as lovely in person as she is on IG. I have a feeling everyone claims she’s their best friend. Her products are amazing. Currently using (been using since it launched) Radiant Firming Concealer in Magnolia ($29). I LOVE this concealer and I’ve tried quite a few in green beauty. It blends great and gives you nice bright eyes even if you didn’t sleep a wink the night before. I had bought the Felt Tip Liquid Eyeliner ($20.50) quite some time ago. If i’m being 100% with you I didn’t love it. I forgot about it til a couple of months ago, tried it again and now its the one I reach for every time i put on makeup. Go figure. I love it and need it in black. Sometimes first impressions aren’t a good judge. Sounds like how I my best friend and I met over 20 years ago. 🙂 I’ll share one more because I can go on and on. I’ve been using the Firming Eye Gel ($29) for a few months now. I keep it in my little mini makeup fridge (cue making fun of me for being bougie) and it is so refreshing in the morning. With ingredients like cucumber seed oil and aloe vera it’s an eye-lift in a bottle. So let’s get down to the sale! Erin’s Faces will be offering everyone 20% off from Small Businesses Saturday through Cyber Monday. The code is WARMFUZZIES. Run do not walk to your computer! Enjoy!

Ilia Beauty: I don’t think I talk about this brand enough. I keep trying new to me things and I really love them all. When I finally get the right color for the SPF Serum it is going to be even better. I recently go the eyeshadow palette that everyone raves about. It is a great set of colors. But my all time, hands down favorite is the mascara! Holy cow!! I recently tried another green beauty mascara that is new to their brand. It does not hold a candle to Ilia. For Black Friday Only the sale is 20% off with code UNWRAP20.

Integrity Botanicals: This online green beauty store was one of the first my friend introduced me too. Terri and her team are so personable. Anything you need help with they are there. I love that with every order you get to pick 3 free samples. It’s a chance time to try things. Integrity Botanicals is localish to me. They are in New Jersey. So if you want to support local small businesses this is your shop. They carry so many green beauty brands. I’m sure you will find what you need and want. Sales start today (11/24) and will run until Monday (11/30). They are as follows:

Save 10% off any order* Code: BLACK10

Save 15% off orders $100 or more* Code: BLACK15

Save 20% off orders $200 or more* Code: BLACK20

*Brand Exclusions Apply. Discount does not include the following brands: Josh Rosebrook, Kypris, May Lindstrom, Vintner’s Daughter and La Bella Figura.

Karité Shea Butter: This brand is so special. It was started by 3 sisters from Ghana. Their star ingredient is Shea Butter. I am currently on my second bottle of their hand cream. It is so great. I can’t wait to try the body butter next. Karité deserves a whole blog post which I will do in the future. But for now I wanted to share what their sales are this week. From now until 11/30 the entire site is 20% off. No code necessary! Plain and simple! Get those hands moisturized here.

Kosmatology: If you have been reading my blog since I launched it you know that this is one of my favorite small businesses. Janis is a pharmacist turned green beauty expert based right here in Connecticut. My favorite things are the hand soaps, the Mint Your Feet balm and the lotion bars. Black Friday sales are 30% off SITEWIDE with code THINKCLEAN20 and this includes the LIMITED EDITION product as well as the gift boxes. The sale will run from Tuesday 11/24 to Saturday 11/28. Start that shopping here!

Organic Bath Company: I recently featured this small business in my last blog post. They have so many great products. Currently in my shower is the Zesty Morning Organic Body Wash. Another must have for me is there hand sanitizer. I’ve only found 2 that are not sticky and this is one of them. I’ve already reordered a refill. The sales for this week are 25% off their entire website beginning today, Monday (11/23) through next Monday (11/30). Get zesty clean!

Organic Olivia: I feel like I’m a little late to the game with this incredible company. I have started to use so many of herbalist Olivia Amitrano supplements. She even came out with a line for Kids that I have been using with my son. I sneak it in his oatmeal. Shhh! 🙂 For starters, since I’ve been taking the NOT YOUR AVERAGE Probiotic which is a 3-1 Prebiotic, Probiotic and Digestive Enzyme, I’ve seen such a difference in my gut. Also she just launched has sold out already the Guardian Bundle (I just got my order) which she created based on everything she learned through the craziness that is 2020. This needs it’s own whole blog post review. There is so much to unpack about this company and products. Sale begins Friday (11/27) and it will be 20% sitewide. OO is launching their tote bags that day too and when you buy $150 or more you get one of your choice for free. I can’t wait to get one. They are so cute. Shop here!

Pleni Naturals: Now if you’ve been around my blog for a little while you know that this brand is one of our household staples. The Apple + Broccoli Hair & Body Wash is our favorite for my son’s bathroom. I love the Enzyme Cleansing Oil for myself. 🙂 I love their Organic Muslin Bags to use for gifts. New to the shop is a limited edition FRUIT & VEGGIE Puzzle. It’s beautiful and another great gift idea for the puzzle lovers out there. From Monday through Cyber Monday (11/23-11/30) Pleni will be offering 30% off on everything sitewide except the GIFT Sets. Get shopping here.

Purity Coffee: If you are wanting to change up your coffee routine to clean and organic you have found the one! It is delicious. This is coming from a self-proclaimed coffee snob! 🙂 Today through Cyber Monday their website is 20% off and Free Shipping with code BF20. My favorite is the Dark Roast. We just ran out and I’m panicking! Shop here!

The Choosy Chick: One of my OG green beauty online shops that is local to Connecticut. Founder Margo carries the best of the best in green beauty. Brands like Inika (one of my favorite foundations), Evolvh, Badger Balm, 100% Pure, Patch, etc. The sale is 15% off sitewide right now with code THANKFUL. If you want to wait, they are giving away doorbusters from Thursday night through Friday. A free mystery gift valued up to $25 while supplies last. Shop here!

*Some affiliate links used. Opinions and reviews all my own

*Photo Credit: Kosmatology

Summer 2020 – Not What I Expected

Hello Friends!! It has been way too long. These past few months have been long haven’t they?!?! 2020 just didn’t seem to go the way we imagined it would when it started. I had so many things I wanted to achieve for this blog but honestly haven’t accomplished any of them. With all that our world was experiencing, talking about foundations, serums and shampoos didn’t seem important at all.

Here we are in August already. I saw someone’s post the other day that said “August is like the Sunday of summer”. I wanted to cry!! Seriously. If you know me at all, you know Summer is my favorite time of the year. I live for it all fall, winter and spring. Waiting for those temps to rise above 65 degrees in the morning. No more chill in the air, just a warm breeze. I do not relish in ‘sweater weather’. LOL! Sorry Mom! 🙂 Although I love summer, summer has been a sad time for me on and off these past years. 6 years ago it was summer when my mom was diagnosed with cancer then 3 years after that it was summer that my dad got sick and passed away in less than 3 months. 3 years later my mom was sick again, summer again. 1 year later here we are in the middle of a pandemic.

Even through all of it, summer is where I belong. My skin gets browner, my favorite flowers are in bloom, the days are longer. We linger outside until the mosquitos win out and chase us back in. The beach, oh my very favorite place the beach. Not a lake, not the Sound but the actual ocean where there are endless waves crashing on the shore. The smell of sea, my salty hair and skin. The sand between my toes as cliche as that sounds, I love all of it!! 🙂 My happy place. The place I could stay forever at and never get tired. Maybe because they say that ‘the negative ions in sea air accelerate your ability to absorb oxygen, and balance your serotonin levels, a body chemical linked with mood and stress”, that’s what draws me there. That’s was draws all of us there. I remember when my dad was sick that summer four years ago, he would say every now and then ‘if I could get to the beach I would feel better.’ The thing is I would have gone to the ends of earth to bring him there but he was too ill for the drive. Here is a guy who didn’t even love the beach but he knew how calming and healing it was there. Our Creator definitely knew that and so many of you can probably relate. One of my favorite pictures of my dad is of him at the beach in Monterey California circa 1984 when he drove from Brooklyn, NY to help my uncle move to San Francisco. That picture hangs in my house today. So instead of the beach this year we opted for the “Beach” Club at our local little lake. Like I said, not a lake person but this was perfect for such an unexpected summer. It’s family friendly, not crowded and everyone is very respectful of the guidelines. So for us it worked out.

So in the middle of writing this post Tropical Storm Isaias blew through CT and while we thought ‘no big deal’, it was a big deal! Ugh. We lost power for almost 5 days. My mom almost 7 days. Today some of my friends are still without power. Unbelievable!! You’d think we lived in the backwoods. Anyway like I said, 2020 is the year that keeps giving. A couple of weeks ago I spent 3 hours on the phone with a friend. 3 HOURS!! When was the last time you did that?!?! It feels good to sometimes get it all out when you have a listening ear. Not that my husband doesn’t want to hear me go on and on for 3 hours (wink wink) but there is nothing like a girlfriend to bounce things off of. There are so many feels these days. Sometimes we bottle it all up. So let it out. You have permission.

I don’t want to get too deep about it but school is next on the agenda. No idea how that will look as we decided to remote learn for the first quarter. Our district is to be full-time in person with option for remote. Hoping it’s better than the spring. It has to be right?!?! No product reviews today but I do have a very awesome giveaway I am hosting with Alaffia. I talked about them on my last blog post. Head over to my Instagram @greenglamgirl on Monday and enter. It’s a big one! Thank you again for being here. I wish all the very best to you and your family as we heard into unchartered waters known as school season during a pandemic. xoxo

Best Organic & Clean Body Wash

Hello!! How are you all doing these dog days of summer?!?! I’m enjoying the heat, not so much the humidity. Whatever! I’ll take it over snow and ice any day. Today I’m talking Body Wash!! Yay! There are so many on the market these days. In every scent, in every color, etc. If you grew up in the 90’s it’s very likely you were obsessed with Bath and Body Works and VS’s body wash collections. Have you ever stopped to wonder what is actually in your favorite coconut or rose body wash?? Most times it doesn’t really include actual rose or coconut. Well then, you may be wondering how does it get the great smell? Fragrance! Those wonderful scents like Pear Glace, Love Spell, Cherry Blossom and whatever our favorites were, draws us in right?!? It has been said that Fragrance is the new ‘F’ word. Why? Fragrance is full of toxic chemicals that don’t have to be disclosed on a label. According to the Environmental Working Group website ingredients like phthalates, octoxynols and nonoxynols. Phthalates are potent hormone disruptors linked to reproductive system birth defects in baby boys. Octoxynols and nonoxynols break down into persistent hormone disruptors as well. Scary right?!? Also some ingredients like Cocamidopropyl Betaine is used to create the sudsy texture we all love. While it may not necessarily be toxic, it is a chemical compound that can cause skin irritations and allergic reactions. These are just a few ingredients.

So if you are looking for one simple way of reducing your toxic intake, changing your body wash is a great way. Our skin is the largest organ we have. Simply put, what we put on our skin is absorbed into our bloodstream. So I want to help you with your label reading. Check out the EWG here if you are unsure of any ingredient.

I want to share some of our family picks made by small businesses run by women! So here we go!

Pleni Naturals – Founder Allyson Owens is a former esthetician who created this brand. Allyson named it Pleni Naturals because in Latin pleni means full. Their products are exactly that, full of natural and organic fruit and vegetable ingredients. It doesn’t get any better than that. Their Apple + Broccoli Hair & Body Wash is the perfect staple for not only the kids but the whole family. It has been a staple in my son’s shower for a couple of years now! Bonus: It smells like oranges!! Yum. Did I mention they have a travel size to for when you need it on the go?!? Pleni Naturals is also MADE SAFE certified. Check out other products here. Coupon code GREENGLAMGIRL15 saves you!

Organic Bath Company – Their motto is “Clean. Not complicated.” That is exactly what partners (in love and life) Gianne Doherty & Jay Weeks created when they founded their company. Currently PeaceFull (Lavender) Organic Body Wash is what’s in my shower stall. I usually take my showers at night so this is so nice to get into a restful or “peacefull” state of mind before bed. 🙂 With ingredients like Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Olive Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Aloe Vera, and Organic Essential Oils your skin is left not only clean but so moisturized. Check out other products here. Coupon code GREENGLAMGIRL will save you 20%.

Alaffia – This is a new to me brand. I picked Alaffia up at my local organic market. I bought the lavender body wash which is only 5 ingredients. Also, this brand is so affordable. You can find them at Whole Foods, Target, Amazon and other places that may be more local to wear you live. Alaffia was founded by husband and wife team Olowo-n’djo Tchala (from Togo, Africa) and Prairie Rose Hyde (from Washington State, USA). They are doing more than just creating products that are clean and non toxic. The Alaffia Foundation their mission is to empower African communities through the advancement of Fair Trade, education, sustainable living and gender equality. Talk about giving back. The Queen Alaffia collection is a one of kind works of art handmade at the Alaffia Artisan Center in Sokodé, Togo, West Africa. It is there, where those who have fallen prey to the sex trade because of extreme poverty and circumstances beyond their control are rehabilitated. Queen Alaffia offers a stable income so that these women can provide for themselves and their families. Bravo Alaffia!! If you use the code GREENGLAMGIRL you will save 15% off your purchases.

So that is it friends!! Head over to my Instagram account to checkout the giveaway we are doing to celebrate my first post since COVID hit! 🙂 Again I am beyond honored that you took out time to read my post today.

*Some Affiliates used but thoughts and opinions all always my own.

Clean & Green Sun Tan

Good Morning Glam Girls! Can you believe it’s the end of February already? This is actually my least favorite time of year. Why? My tan is fading! LOL! Ok maybe that isn’t the only reason but it’s one.

Who remembers tanning beds?? Do they still exist?? I remember going before my wedding (a million years ago) to get the ‘natural glow’. Not as much as some of my friends. Fortunately I have the skin color that holds onto a summer tan for quite some time. For some of my fair-skin friends, well they were a little obsessed with tanning beds. One of my friends was diagnosed with skin cancer around the age of 25. That was enough for me to never go again, special occasion or not. The doctors linked her skin cancer specifically to the tanning beds. So scary right?!?! Talk about a loud wake up call.

At this point I don’t think we need to go into depth about why tanning beds are bad for us. We all know. But if you would like to know more about that check out this link. Right now you may be wondering ‘ok so I can’t do the beds anymore. Can I do a self-tanner at home? Anything wrong with the stuff I just got at CVS?’ Well it depends on what you use. I’ll explain!

Sunless Self-Tanner: The Good, Bad & Ugly

I don’t know about you but I was a fan and user of Jergens Natural Glow. I would slather that stuff on all winter long. When I was researching for this blog post I looked up the ingredients. Insert horror face emoji here!! OMG! I mean I knew it wasn’t going to be good but really!?!? I had never looked at the ingredients when I was using it. Curious what is in it? To start off there is Mineral Oil/Petroleum, Fragrance, Parabens, etc. Don’t take my word for it, check it out. Definitely not things I want on my skin! If many studies are correct in that that As per usual I have alternatives that do not compromise your health make you look like an orange.

What is ECO TAN?

Eco Tan is a variety of self tanning cream, mouse and water. It was developed in 2011 by Sonya Driver Range in Australia. She was inspired to develop a safe alternative to unhealthy tanning sprays and sunbathing when her sister was diagnosed with melanoma (the most dangerous form of skin cancer). Eight years ago she found herself a single mom of 2. She had to rebuild her life and did that by helping others first. I admired that the most about her story. She took so much grief and turned it into a passion. A passion to provide a clean and non toxic self tanner. I had to try! I ordered The Complete Tanning Kit which includes:

Eco Tan Self Tanner: Invisible Skin (this lotion is best suited for medium to olive skin tones. Also, delivers a beautiful, golden glow in one application.) Winter Skin (gradual tanner is best suited for fair to medium skin tones. Also, builds to a sun-kissed glow with applications.) Cacao Tanning Mousse which is their express, self tanning mousse which offers a long lasting deep bronze colour for all skin tones. So you choose which one suits you.
Face Tan Water: A gradual liquid self tanning water that is specifically created for face, neck and décolletage. You use it like a toner.
Tan Remover Glove: Exfoliating Mitt

I have been using the Face Tan Water as a toner in my nighttime routine and I can see it is subtle. You have to keep applying at first for a few days in a row and then after that maybe 1-2x a week. Since I have sensitive skin, I really like the idea of a toner because I’m always leary of putting a heavy cream on my face that I don’t normally put on. No breakouts to report on!

Next up is the Invisible Skin. This one gives you a nice golden glow in one application like I mentioned above. I first exfoliated (not with the glove) with my favorite Follain Sugar & Shea Body Scrub about 24 hours before I did the self tanner. That’s what they suggest at least. So the next night I went in with the Invisible Skin. Now mind you I am not good at this! I applied before bed and woke up in the morning to a tan. Streaks and all! Lol!! Totally my fault. But I really liked the color. It was natural and developed within 8 hours. If you have somewhere special to go last minute this may work for you. I’m thinking maybe next time I’ll spring for the Winter Skin which is a gradual tanner. You can do that everyday like a moisturizer and you are supposed to develop a sun-kissed glow.

If you want to try Eco Tan or a cleaner, non toxic option to fake n’ bake go to The Choosy Chick to order your own! Use code GREENGLAMGIRL for a discount and tell Margo I sent you. 🙂

Chocolate Sun…Can I eat it?

The name alone draws you in doesn’t it?!?! Then the smell. Wow! Clean enough to want to eat it like chocolate pudding!! Susie Hatton is the founder of Chocolate Sun. In 2003 Susie launched the first ever organic sunless tanning solution and retail collection in Santa Monica, California. I couldn’t think of a better place. The first time I heard of Chocolate Sun was when I received a sample in my order from Integrity Botanicals. So I knew when it was time to review self-tanning lotions I had to revisit Chocolate Sun.

Chocolate Sun tanning cream formulation includes Shea Butter, coconut oil and aloe. This product is made as a skincare treatment first and foremost. it is formulated with protective, hydrating and anti-aging botanicals and herbs. This lotion is made to work gradually and will leave your skin soft, subtly tanned, and moisturized. You won’t look like an Oompa Loompa either so that’s a major plus. I applied the lotion after I showered at night. By the morning I would see the color already. It was not sticky at all! Chocolate Sun comes in 3 colors, Cocoa Lite, Cocoa Glow and Absolute Sun. I tested at Cocoa Glow for starters.

Now truth be told, I did a horrible job applying…again. A suggestion would be to get a tanning mitt. I ordered one from Amazon. Now I will say although the smell is lovely it does have that slight self tanner smell too that lingers after. It isn’t unpleasant but I thought I would mention that. That goes for both Chocolate Sun & Eco Tan. Does it fade?? No is the short answer. Because it’s so hydrating it fades naturally. So no blotchiness. Another amazing quality of Chocolate Sun is that the creams are made without color guides so you won’t have any color let on your clothing or linens. That was my experience for both tanning creams.

You can shop for Chocolate Sun at Integrity Botanicals. Another of my favorite online green beauty stores run by Terri who is so helpful and knowledgeable. Love supporting small businesses especially women owned!

Tips For A Great Sunless Tan

Exfoliate 12-24 hours before applying self tanning lotion/mousse.
Shave legs 12-24 hours before applying self tanning lotion.
Get yourself a tanning mitt and apply overlapping each stroke to avoid streaking.
After applying self tanning lotion do not shower for 4-8 hours (I prefer to apply tanning lotion at night so that you wake up with a nice glow).
Keep skin moisturized to help prolong your tan.

That’s all she wrote!! Go get your glow on NOW! 🙂

*Some Affiliates used but thoughts and opinions all my own.

Black Friday/Cyber Monday 2019 Green Beauty Style

Can you even believe it’s already the end of November?!? If feels like yesterday I was writing the Black Friday and Cyber Monday details of 2018. Here we are again. Another year gone by. I hope it was a good one! A perk to winter coming is taking advantage of some of this years great green beauty sales. There are many so let’s get to it!

Acure

Now through Monday, December 2nd take 35% off all items with code BFCM. Acure is one of the brands I started off with when I began my green beauty journey. It is affordable and have some great products. From shampoos to their skincare line there is something for everyone. I really like their eye hydrogels I love this brand for teenagers too. Shop here to take advantage of a great sale.

Aether Beauty Co.

Black Friday sale starts NOW and will continue until December 1st! Get 30% off sitewide. No code needed. Aether has some gorgeous eyeshadow palettes that are ethically made with clean ingredients. The packaging is also 100% recyclable. I personally have Rose Quartz and I am eyeing the Amethyst. 🙂

Cyber Monday is Buy 1 Get 1 50% off with code BOGO! Shop here!

ALEAVIA

This is a great body cleanse that my husband and I use on the daily. It is moisturizing and uses only 7 plant-based ingredients. It uses prebiotics which diminish harmful bacteria and create a balanced skin pH. It comes in Lavender, Enzymatic (no scent), Green Tea Honeysuckle, and Orchid. Jump on the Cranberry before it goes away. The Black Friday sale starts November 29th at 9a, EST with 30% off. Shop here!

ART OF PURE

Founder Monika Joshi created this shop that specializes in natural, luxurious and potent beauty, skincare and wellness products from various brands across the globe. It is a great online shop with Free Shipping over $49. You can find many of my favorites are here (ie Osmia, Pai, Agent Nateur, Vapour, Moon Juice, Innersense). The sale actually starts Thursday, November 28th and ends Monday, December 2nd. 20% off sitewide, no minimum and use code THANKS20. 20% off $300+ and a free UMA Deeply Clarifying Face Oil (15 ml, $70 value). Use code THANKFUL (No brand exclusions). Shop here!

BRANCH BASICS

Biggest Sale of the year!! My favorite cleaning products for the past year or so. From kitchen cleaning to laundry and everything in between they have you covered. If you follow me on Instagram you can see how the Oxygen Boost got out a huge wine spill on my white, yes white ottoman. It’s non toxic of course but performs so well. This weekend til December 2nd the sale is 20% off all starter kits with code GIVECLEAN. Everything you need to clean the whole house. Shop here!

CLOVE & HALLOW

Black Friday starts tomorrow November 29th. It is a tiered discount automatically applied as follows:

15% off $25
20% off $50
25% off $75
30% off $100

If you haven’t tried the Lip Velvets that stay on forever and are in amazing colors now is the time. Also I really like their Hydratint Blush Serum in Georgia and their new mascara. I tried their new liquid foundation and I loved the look and feel except I couldn’t make the color work for me. Hoping they will come up with some new colors at some point. But maybe you will find your color in the selection. Shop here!

COCOKIND

The price point for Cocokind is so good as it is so when they have sales you jump on it! They are having sales on their Holiday 2019 sets. For example one of the buncles include all of their 2019 new products bundle. Catch this sale while it’s going because today is the last day! Shop here!

ERIN’S FACES

You have probably heard me talk about Erin’s Faces before. The tinted lip balm in Crush is seriously the Bomb!! 🙂 I love the Sunscreen and currently gaga over the new Radiant Firming Concealer. They have so many more products that I want to try. They are having their Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale from Friday through Monday. 20% off sitewide with code YAY!. Shop here!

Evolvh

My favorite green beauty hair care product line! Black Friday has already started over there with:

Spend up to $100 – Get 10% Off
Spend up to $200 – Get 15% Off
Spend $200+ – Get 20% Off

Cyber Monday & Tuesday 25% off Gift Sets & Bundles with promo code JOY.

Shop here for my favorites which include the entire Protect Your Color Line.

Follain

This is another fabulous green beauty shop that carries so many favorite brands. For Cyber Monday received 20% off and free shipping on EVERYTHING! I love Sugar & Shea Body Scrub from their own signature line, thanks to my friend Katie of The Green Product Junkie! The fact that it is in a eco-friendly tube is a win because jars are messy and I’m less likely to keep in my small shower. It leaves my skin so moisturized after a shower that I don’t need to slather myself in lotion after. Shop here to grab your own!

Hynt Beauty

If you have been wanting to try out Hynt Sun Prep (my favorite) or the Duet Perfecting Concealer this week is the time. Hynt is having their biggest sale sitewide of the year. 30% off everything (except kits, Sets and Samples) on their website. Starts today and ends Wednesday, December 4th! Use code BLACK2019 at checkout. Shop here!

Integrity Botanicals

Black Friday starts now through Monday, December 2nd. 15% off orders $100 or more with code IBBF15 and 20% off orders $200 or more with code IBBF20. Grab some of your favorites and must haves like Osmia, One Love Organics, Henne, Alima Pure, Fitglow, etc. Also for Cyber Monday all orders will automatically receive a FREE Baby Lip Tint SPF 15 in Crimson Rose. Shop here!

Kosmatology

If you have been around the blog for a little while you know already how obsessed I am with this amazing brand. Kosmatolgy is going to run their sale from Wednesday November 27th through December 1st. You use code THINKCLEAN19 to save 30% off your total purchase, including gift boxes!! Amazing Sale!! For Cyber Monday, December 2nd, you can save 20% off your total purchase with code CYBER19 and save even bigger with FREE SHIPPING on order over $50 with code CYPERSHIP. Shop my favorites here!

MOON JUICE

Cyber Moonday Sale happening live now! 20% off entire site with free shipping when you purchase $50+. No code necessary! I love the supplement SuperYou for daily stress management. I really saw the difference. Shop here!

Pai Skincare

The Camellia & Rose Cream Cleanser is a favorite of mine for the winter. Even though they are across the pond they are getting in on the Black Friday act. Get 25% off everything using code BLACKPAIDAY. They partnered with GIRLvsCANCER this year and they are donating $1 from every product sold during BLACK PAI DAY to GIRLvs CANCERS’s four chosen charities; CoppaFeel!, Trekstock, Future Dreams and Look Good Feel Better. Shop here!

Pharmaca

This is a great one stop shop for so many clean brands. From beauty to supplements. I love shopping Pharmaca. They are having 30% off Sitewide with code CYBER. Shop here! You can find my favorite oil cleanser by One Love Organics, Collagen Creamer by Vital Proteins and my new favorite foundation by Inika.

Pleni Naturals

As you know I love Pleni products for my son. I recently tried the cleansing oil and I’m obsessed. The sale is 40% off all Pleni products – the cleansing oil and the children’s products. The sale DOES NOT include Children’s gift sets. No code needed. The sale is for one day only, November 29th. Shop here to grab what you need and want to try.

Cyber Monday the sale is 20% off the Enzyme Cleansing Oil and Cucumber & Grape Baby Oil. No code necessary. It is a 1 day sale December 2nd. Check out my review of the cleansing oil on my Instagram page.

Osmia

Enjoy 20% off the entire Osmia collection tomorrow, Monday, December 2nd, and receive FREE shipping on all US orders over $75. This is a rare sale and Osmia has some of my favorite products like the Black Clay Facial Soap (great for acne & Perioral Dermatitis), Simply Pure Face Cream (hubs favorite) and my ride or die Spot Treatment. Grab your favorites from now until Sunday, December 8th with code BREATH20! Shop here.

The Choosy Chick

One of my favorite local green beauty online stores run by Margo! Black Friday sale starts tomorrow and ends December 2nd. 15% off storewide with code THANKFUL. Pick up some of your favorites like Pleni Naturals, Kosmatology, Evolvh, Inika, Leahlani and so many more here!

The Detox Market

Black Friday Sales are as follows:

Spend $100 Save $15
Spend $200 Save $40 + Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil
Spend $400 Save $100 + Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil & Jade Roller

Shop here!

The Organic Bath Company

This is their biggest sale of the year. Shop small and save 25% off your entire order. No code needed! Everything in the OBC Shop is on sale. I love their body butter. Shop here

Erins faces web — Erin’s Faces Products Photographed by *KELLY ANN LONG PHOTOGRAPHY*

Remember to do conscious shopping. It’s hard to do that sometimes when everyone is coming at you with their sales. If you decide to buy, get what you need or buy something you’ve been eyeing all year. Also if you buy through my links that helps keep my blog up and running. So thank you in advance of your support. Enjoy your family time, friend time or whatever it is you are doing these next few days!

*Some affiliate links used. Opinions and reviews all my own.

Best Non Toxic Hospital Care Package

[dropcap]Happy[dropcap] Saturday Lovelies! I hope you are enjoying this beautiful summer-like day. So I’ve been thinking of doing this post for a little while now since my husband actually suggested it. I know it will be a helpful post to refer back to when you need it. This post is all about showing our sick loved one how much they really matter to us by providing a thoughtful and clean hospital care package.

Have you ever had to be in the hospital whether for illness or giving birth? Or maybe a loved one had to be in the hospital? Late July of this year, my mom spent a week in the hospital. That’s what really started me thinking about this subject. If you or anyone you love ever have had to spend any time in a hospital you know what a drag it is! It’s exhausting for the patient and the caregiver. We won’t even talk about the food. That’s a whole other subject. Let’s talk about the toiletries they offer to the patients. If you have been following my blog for a little while now you know that I was horrified at what they give patients. From the toothpaste to the body soap. Some ingredients include preservatives, petroleum, aluminum, fragrance and artificial colors. The list goes on but I won’t bore you with all that today. So you may ask, what else can I do??

I am here to give you a list of clean and green toiletries you can have on hand or bring to a loved one during a hospital stay.

HOSPITAL CARE PACKAGE CHECKLIST

1. URSA MAJOR 4.in.1 Essential Face Wipes

These come in a pack of 20 individual wrapped. These wipes clean, exfoliate, soothe and hydrate. They are made with Aloe, Bamboo and Green Tea. My mom really loved having these because she was so weak and wasn’t able to stand for long to wash her face or didn’t want to wait for someone to bring a bucket of water. She said they felt so great on her skin.

2. YUNI BEAUTY Shower Sheets

These sheets come in a box of 12. They are biodegradable and individually wrapped large body wipes that instantly cleanse, refresh and deodorize. Again my mom was so grateful for these. She loved them. She wasn’t able to shower for a few days because of an NG tube so these became a necessity for her to feel as good as possible. They came in handy again after a medical procedure. These are perfect for the those maybe after surgery when you can’t shower right away. A couple of ingredients include Neem Leaf Extract which calms skin and soothes inflammation while antioxidants protect cells and molecules from damage and signs of aging. Peppermint Leaf Essential Oil acts as a mild antiseptic, reducing bacterial activity on the skin. A must have!

4. MEOW MEOW TWEET Repair Balm

This product is new to me. When I saw my girl Katie of Green Product Junkie talking about it I knew this was something I had to pick up for my mom. She spends about 5 hours in the hospital for treatment once every 3 weeks and one thing we know about hospitals is that they dry you out!! Am I right or what?!?! The ingredients are amazing. All vegan (if that’s your thing) and organic. This balm can be used for lips, hands, elbows, etc. The packaging is also in a biodegradable tube! Win Win!

4. MEOW MEOW TWEET Baking Soda Free Deodorant Stick

Another MMT product but I am not new to this one! I really liked this deodorant. For one thing it is baking soda free which is great because baking soda can be really irritating to a lot of people. Also it is in a small biodegradable tube that can be easily packed in a hospital bag or purse. If you are in a hurry and need to run to Target for loved one who is in the hospital to pick up a few things you can find this stick there! Easy!

5. ALEAVIA Enzymatic Body Cleanse

I have been using this brand for a few years now. It removes dirt, toxins, and excess oil on your skin’s surface, while feeding your skin’s good bacteria and preserving your skin’s natural protectants. It’s 100% natural and organic made with only 7 ingredients. It can also be used as a shampoo and facial cleanser. This is a great product and they have a travel set. They were so sweet and gave my readers a coupon code. Use GREENGLAM15 when you shop their site here. Or find on Amazon here.

6. WELEDA Skin Food

Ok so remember we were talking about hospitals drying out everything on your body?? Yes well this is where Skin Food comes into play. I love this cream. I try and keep a little travel size in my bag all winter. It comes in a small 10 ml size that is easy to keep tucked away. Little tube big results. It is so soothing on dry and rough skin. I have bought it at Whole Foods but I’m starting to see it at Target. Great addition to a care package for someone going through Chemotherapy or something else where they have to be in the hospital. Grab a full size at Amazon for a great price!

7. KOSMATOLOGY Lotion Bar

I would be remiss if I didn’t’ mention my OG, MVP, BFF Goody-Goody Grapefruit Lotion Bar. Seriously if you don’t know by now about the power of the Lotion Bar then you will know it now! Dramatic much?!?! Read my review and interview with Kosmatology founder Dr. Janis Covey here. This is a great little gem to have on hand for anyone but especially someone dealing with dry skin or eczema. Remind me to tell you about the time someone said eczema on the beach and I just happened to have an unopened mini bar in my beach bag! LOL! Yes it comes in mini size! This amazing brand is Made Safe Certified which means that there are no toxic nasties allowed. Check out her entire line of products here and use code GREENGLAMGIRL for a discount.

8. KOSMATOLOGY Hand Sanitizer

Need I say more?!?! Hand sanitizer in a hospital is a must have. This is another awesome product made by Kosmatology. I love this one because again it’s made without Parabens, Phthalates or Triclosan.

9. KOSMATOLOGY Foaming Hand Soap

I honestly never leave home without it. LOL! This hand soap comes in the perfect travel size. I put it in with my other travel items in a Stasher Bag and throw it in my purse. Let’s be real the soap at the hospital is drying and contains not so great ingredients. The foaming hand soap contains nothing toxic. With ingredients like coconut and olive oil it is so moisturizing on your hands. You and your loved one will be hooked like I am. Again shop the entire line here and don’t forget to use code GREENGLAMGIRL for 20% off.

10. DR. BRONNER’S All-One Toothpaste

This is probably one of my favorite clean toothpaste. It has 70% organic ingredients and fluoride-free. Bonus is that now you can find almost anywhere. Great alternative to the SLS, artificial color toothpaste the hospital will supply. The other bonus is that it come in a travel size and you can grab one in a pinch at Whole Foods or even TJ Maxx for $1.99. Can’t beat that!

11. GEORGANICS Mouthwash Tablets

These are game changing for mouthwash on the go! Especially if you are in a hospital bed and can’t get around well. All you need is a glass of water and pop one of the tablets in and poof you have mouthwash! They come in a small glass jar. Great on the environment too. Shop here.

12. Bamboo Toothbrush

Last but not least add a biodegradable bamboo toothbrush to your care package. I think I found this one at Whole Foods but you can find most natural and organic places. The Package Free shop has an option as well. The less plastic the better.

Encouragement for the Caregiver

So that is it my friends!! I do want to say this. When a loved one gets sick and requires treatment, hospitalization or both it is so hard. It’s hard mentally, physically and emotionally for both the patient and the caregiver. You can sometimes even feel guilty doing things for yourself. Trust me I’ve been there and I’ve learned we can only pour out if we have filled our own bucket first. So my encouragement to you is, take care of yourself! Thank you for being here and I hope that you walked away with something to help you if you are in this season of life.

2013 My 5-year old son leaving the hospital with my Dad

*Some Affiliate links used. Opinions and thoughts are always my own!

This Summer’s Picks for Natural Sunscreen

Happy Summer! We are finally seeing some warmer temperatures here on the East Coast. Although we can do without so much rain and 100% humidity for a little while. Here’s hoping!! 🙂 What is your favorite season?? Summer is it for me. I feel like I come to life. Life slows down a bit with the end of school, kids sleep in, lazy mornings, days at the pool or beach, BBQ with friends, afternoons at the park. I could go on and on! But with all the fun comes great responsibility. Who am I??? I sound like SpiderMan now! LOL! But you know what I mean by that right?!?! Being responsible when it comes to sun protection!

Sun & Vitamin D

The sun is wonderful, it gives us life and definitely a smile when it comes out after a stretch of the lack of it. It gives us a dose of Vitamin D that we all so desperately need especially coming out of winter. I recently read an article by Dr. Axe that said “when you sit in the sun unexposed, without sunscreen for roughly 10 minutes, you likely absorb about 10,000 units of natural vitamin D. However, keep in mind that this amount differs from person to person, depending on skin tone.” He also mentioned that a lot of the population is deficient in this vital vitamin. I know for me, my mood is so much better when the sun is out. But we all know the age-old saying ‘too much of a good thing’!

Is Sunscreen the end all be all?

According to an Environmental Working Group article, it mentioned that even though ‘the science is not definitive (regarding the reasons of the rise of melanoma), the consensus among researchers is that the most important step people can take to reduce their melanoma risk is to avoid sunburn but not all sun exposure.’ The EWG disagrees with the FDA’s allowing sunscreen makers to claim that their products prevent cancer. They aren’t saying we shouldn’t wear sunscreen at all. They are saying that we shouldn’t depend on it completely! Which to me makes sense. Nothing is an absolute guarantee. So what else can we do in addition?? A few things can do is not be out in the hottest parts of the day which is between 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., wear sunglasses, wear a hat and use an umbrella at the beach or pool. For more check out the EWG’s tips.

Is Sunscreen Safe?

So yes we we need to wear sunscreen at certain times of the day if we will be out in the sun for a substantial amount of time. Now you are going to ask about what has been in the news recently about ingredients in sunscreen. Smart cookies you are to question it! This month a pilot study published in JAMA made news everywhere. Wow!! Finally some more information confirming what so many in the wellness community already knew! The study found that some of the active ingredients in conventional sunscreen are absorbed into your bloodstream. What are some of those ingredients that were found? Avobenzone, Oxybenzone, Octocrylene and Ecamsule were all found in the blood and at levels that need to be studied further for possible cancer risk. Recently Key West and Hawaii banned products containing Oxybenzone to protect the coral reefs in the ocean. If they are not safe for the oceans what are they safe to humans?

I am not for fear mongering as I know you aren’t either. However, we want to be informed so that we can make better decisions in the products we use. For us and our families! The truth of the matter is, what is on the shelves is not always safe. We’ve been told that sunscreen is safe, so for years we used it and used it on our babies. We need to be our own advocates. Also we need to speak our minds through our dollars. Refusing to buy these harmful products will hopefully dictate what is on the shelves .

Fortunately, we have many safe options for sunscreen out there now and we don’t have to look far. I have had a chance to try a few sunscreens that do NOT contain chemical ingredients but are really effective. They all contain either Titanium Dioxide or Zinc Oxide or both. Let’s get into it!

Raw Elements Certified Natural Sunscreen – This sunscreen is great!! They are knocking it out of the park especially when it comes to using mostly organic ingredients that are safe not only for humans but safe for our oceans. I have used this sunscreen for a few summers now for myself and my family. No sunburns! It’s a thick consistency. So you have to get your rub on. I think it helps when your skin is moisturized beforehand. This sunscreen has been top-rated by the EWG for the past 8 years!! The company founder and CEO, Brian Guadagno was a long time Rhode Island Ocean Rescue Lifeguard. He saw a need in the industry for a clean sunscreen so he created Raw Elements! What is really exciting is that they partnered with the state of Rhode Island in bringing complimentary, certified natural and environmentally-safe sunscreen dispenser stations to all Rhode Island State Beaches & several Parks for the 2019 summer season. I not only heard about this but I actually experienced it 2 summers in a row. I hope this encourages other states and clean sunscreen brands to get in on the action!! Shop at The Choosy Chick with my coupon code GREENGLAMGIRL.
Two Peas Organics Mineral Sunscreen – I don’t remember how I discovered this small family brand but I decided to try and ordered from Amazon last summer. The ingredients are clean and safe for the whole family. No nasty ingredients like PABA, parabens, phthalates, BPA, oxybenzone, to name just a few. Another great choice for your family this summer. Again like Raw Elements this is a thick consistency that needs to be rubbed in. Shop here!
Goddess Garden Organics – What I like about this brand is that I can find at my local organic/natural market, Target or Whole Foods. Also, it comes in a mini travel size. This SPF is a thinner formula and a little easier to rub in. They recently reformulated. I reached out to them and they were so nice to shed some more light on their new formula. Their Continuous Sunscreen Sprays now contain Tacamahaca (Tamanu) and Pongamia Glabra (Karanja) Seed Oils instead of Coconut Oil. One of the other major changes is the increase in Titanium to Zinc ratio. This has allowed for the formula to be much less whitening than in the past while still allowing for a spray option. The SPF 50 and Daily SPF 30 lotions are an all new Zinc only formula. This zinc has been processed to be rounded and smoothed which has given their sheerest formula yet. This now has only coco and shea nut butter instead of Sunflower and Safflower seed oils which they have found leave a much lighter feel on the skin. I did notice that they added Phenoxyethanol to the kids reformulated so I won’t be rebuying the new stuff. That is an ingredient I try to avoid. Shop here!
Erin’s Faces – Have you met Erin?? I have!! She is the sweetest. We met last year at WELL Summit. I became obsessed with her Tinted Lip Balm. If you haven’t tried it get on it!! But we are here talking about sunscreen. Erin formulated her Peptide SPF 30 with some amazing ingredients to not only protect from the sun but also help to repair sun damaged skin and rebuild collagen. Yes please!! Ingredients like Aloe Leaf Juice and Gel for hydration, Cucumber which reduces hyperpigmentation, Blue Passion Flower an anti-inflammatory, Avocado and Grapeseed Oils which are hydrating but don’t clog your pores and Vitamin E which is an antioxidant. Sounds good right!?!? It is amazing!! When Erin launched the travel size of the Peptide she very generously gifted me one and I love it! It doesn’t take much elbow grease to rub clear. It also feels very light and hydrating. No burning here!! I have even worn under makeup. In my opinion a good bang for your buck too. Shop it here.
Hynt Sun Prep SPF 30 – After being introduced to this SPF by a friend of mine, this has been my OG SPF under my makeup for a few years now! The smell alone will keep you coming back for more. This is a 3 in 1 product. Sun protecting, moisturizing and makeup primer!! Win Win Win! I really love it. It goes on very light and does not leave a white cast at all. It contains such moisturizing ingredients like Aloe and Hyaluronic Acid. Also it has Pine Bark Extract that slows down skin aging by enhancing skin’s elasticity and hydration levels while improving skin fatigue, improving skin’s smoothness and reducing fine lines. Organic Green Tea Leaf which is a potent antioxidant that protects the skin’s cells from the damaging effect of free radicals. Skin care with sun care! It is pricey but again this has a lot going on in this bottle for the price. Shop here at one of my favorite online green beauty stores!
100% Pure Green Tea SPF 30 – This is a new product that just launched. I haven’t extensively tested this but the ingredients are amazing and I used on my son for a couple of outdoor activities and no sunburned nose! This is a dual-purpose moisturizing sunscreen lotion which shields skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays with SPF 30 protection, while nourishing and hydrating thirsty skin. Made with natural mineral zinc oxide and infused with the protective and anti-aging properties of green tea, plus antioxidant benefits of vitamin E. Other ingredients are aloe, cucumber juice, oils of raspberry, avocado, olive, and rosehip. It goes on white so it has to be rubbed in really well. I think this would be good not only for face but body as well. Shop it here!

Bonus!!! I’m adding in W3LL People Tinted Moisturizer SPF because I love it so much! I’ve talked about it a few times but it’s a great summer staple to have. It gives you some makeup coverage and protection from the sun! You can’t beat the price of $28 and you can find at Target in a pinch. I am the color medium. You can shop here!

So that is it ladies and gents!! I am so excited for summer and all that it brings. Wishing you all the best of these days. They are short but can bring lasting memories! Enjoy it! Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know if you’ve tried any of my recommendations or any others!

*Some Affiliate links used. Opinions and thoughts are always my own!

Green ‘Beauty’ for the Man in Your Life

So is that title funny or what?!?! LOL! I mean what is that really?! I know my husband is rolling his eyes right around now. But seriously though. How many men out there have a beauty routine?? I know my husband never did. He had his old spice and toxic hairspray. Which p.s. he spends more time on his hair than I do. HAHAHA! Sorry babe! But that is for another post. So when I started this journey my hubs was very supportive and he was on board. He is my number one fan and cheerleader with this blog! He is the tech guy behind Green Glam Girl.

What’s He Using?

Since I’m the one who buys most things in the house, I started changing his products too, which was not as easy as I thought. Who knew he was so picky!! I have had him try so many different clean deodorants but Schmidts is his jam. For him its the most effective! Ok great! As long as ingredients don’t change it’s a keeper. Next up was changing his hair spray and hair wax. At the time of my clean beauty makeover I wasn’t aware of a lot of clean hair styling products out there. Just what was at my local health food market or Whole Foods. Some of those still had a few questionable ingredients and didn’t really perform.

In order to convince my husband, the products had to do the job. So when I discovered Innersense Organic Beauty I was thrilled. I ordered the Inner Peace Whipped Creme Texturizer and the I Create Finish for him to give a try. Replacing his hair wax and regular hair spray. I told you he uses more products than I do. Go figure! His conclusion after using for a couple of weeks and now for the past couple of years?? Let Noah, (Green Glam Guy) tell you!

“At 43, most days I’m just happy to have hair on my head. ‘keeping the dream alive’, as they say! What I like about Innersense is that they are as close to dream products as it gets. Products that are natural but also just flat out work.I like to use the texturizer to add body and then use the hairspray to hold my so-called masterpiece together. 🙂 The products are so good that my son and I fight over them consistently. The good news is if I can’t find them I know exactly where to look. I have used a lot of different texturizers and sprays in the past but I can honestly say these products outshine them all. The whipped texturizer goes on clean and leaves no residue behind and the hairspray adds just the right amount of hold. I am completely sold on these hair products. Let’s just say that I have an ‘innersense’ about them!”

See what did I tell you!?! No I didn’t pay him to write that! LOL! And yes our little (not so little today he is 11) is into styling his own hair now. So I put the hairspray and texturizer in his bathroom. No more swiping Dad’s stuff. 🙂

Oh What a FACE!

Next up is his face! Can we talk about how annoying guys are when it comes to this?!?! They typically don’t wash their face in the morning or at night, layer with a toner, serum and then face cream. All they do (at least mine) is let the water wash over their face in the shower. LOL! Good to go! Compare that to us women who are daily 2x a day slathering ourselves with every kind of anti aging, anti acne, anti drying product known to mankind. I did convince this guy a few months ago that he really should start wearing face cream to help with dry skin in the winter. I made the “mistake’ of giving him my Osmia Organics Purely Simple Face Cream. I never saw it again and then when he ran out, I was reminded daily until it appeared again in the bathroom. He calls it the magic drawer. 😉 So needless to say he is obsessed. To be honest so am I. It is just like the name suggests, simple. It does the job of hydrating without any harsh ingredients or even many essential oils. Great for the guys and girls alike!

Ok so now we are at shaving cream. Another area of extreme pickiness. Again I brought home many brands that were cleaner than the stuff my husband use to use. So when I ordered the SuperSlick Shave Gel by Max Alchemy from The Choosy Chick I was skeptical that he would approve. Come to find out he loved it! Another product that he can’t be without. I order a few at a time now. Good thing because its so popular that it sells out. Ingredients are clean and Green Glam Girl approved! While we are talking about Max Alchemy, Noah really likes the Scalp Rescue Shampoo too. Both products can be found at one of my favorite online green beauty shops The Choosy Chick. Don’t forget to use my code GREENGLAMGIRL for a discount!

‘Dem Lips!

Last but definitely not least is lips. Now this one is interesting. My husband keeps a lip balm in his car, my car and pocket. I guess he never wants chap lips. Then again who does because now that I think of it I may have have a few stashed in various places. 😉 Again he had his favorites and at the time Burt’s Bees was one of them. It was one of the only better lip balms out there. But honestly there was room for improvement. It happened by way of Moroccan Magic!! Oh my goodness this is a great lip balm. I can’t be without it. Ingredients are amazing. The founder and CEO Kristina Tsipouras Miller uses only high quality, fair trade and USDA organic ingredients like Argan Oil, Essential oils, Vitamin E and Beeswax. With different scents like Rose (my fav), Coconut Almond (my sons) and Peppermint Eucalyptus (hubs) there is something for everyone. I’m dying to try out the others. Now where to find you may ask! Look no further because they just launched in Target!! Yay!! Moroccan Magic can also be found at Whole Foods and CVS. Making organic lip care accessible and affordable to everyone!