Clean Beauty Thoughts

Lauren and I are big believers in using products on our face and skin that are not only effective, but safe, clean, healthy, and minimal. Last week we shared a collage of Lauren’s favorite safe beauty products (read) and today we are sharing two articles from goop that do such a good job explaining the importance clean beauty (read) and discussing 10 products that are clean, safe, and effective (read). These articles are a great first step to going clean in the beauty department. It can be overwhelming (and financially daunting) when you consider swapping out all of your beauty and personal care products, if they aren’t clean. However, the key is to do a little bit at a time. It’s also trial and error, figuring out what works for you. I started the process last spring, and am still always chipping away at it and making edits. It’s an ongoing process, so don’t feel like you have to do it in one big swoop. If you start a product or two at a time (tossing the toxic version and replacing what you need with a clean alternative) you will feel like you are making progress, without being overwhelmed. In addition to clean beauty, we also love natural beauty. When I started the transition last spring over to safe personal care products, I also edited my makeup routine pretty severely. I now wear a lot less makeup and thoroughly enjoy it. Not only does it allow my skin to breathe, but it also celebrates quality products over quantity, and most importantly it lets inner beauty shine. And bonus, it saves a heck of a lot of time in the morning! We would love to hear your thoughts on clean beauty and natural beauty below in the comment section // xo Melissaimage via goop

the beauty list.

I must admit, I am the girl who could research beauty products for hours on end. Reading about the essentials for healthy hair and great skin could get me lost for hours + I want to hear real life stories about the potential of a product, so reviews are my greatest friend. Unlike my occasional clothing binge at Zara, before I add something to my beauty cabinet or shower shelf, I create a logical reason why it is a necessary purchase.I am so excited to share with you the top three beauty products that are my current live-withouts:Lush Silky Underwear Dusting PowderThis body powder aka healthy perfume is my safety blanket. I love to travel with it, and I put it on under my arms before I put on my deodorant for extra freshness. Not to mention, it is the most calming after-shower scent before I get in bed. P.S. This is one of my favorite gift additions for my girlfriends (or it is the cutest stocking stuffer)!Philip Kingsley ElasticizerYou guys. This pre-shampoo treatment has truly changed my hair. I have possibly tried every hair care product in the book, and I have never experienced such significant change in my locks! It drastically improved the strength of my hair + extra bonus: it has caused my hair to grow so fast! The way it works: mask this on your locks for 10-20 minutes before shampooing.Rita Hazan Triple Threat Split End TherapyThis product is truly magical. I remember reading reviews mentioning it's ability to never need a hair cut again after using this potion, so I couldn't help but add it to my cart. After just a few days of pumping a dime-size amount of the cream into my hands and working it through my locks, I noticed less and less dry ends AKA diminishing split ends. The trick is that the cream seals, repairs, and protects, so it's proactive and reactive. I love their shampoo and condition too - they are specified for colored hair and heavily moisturize without weighing hair down!