Ingredients Needed to Make a Natural Cleanser With Honey

• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/3 cup liquid castile soap
• 3 tablespoons distilled water (this is the safest type of water to use, found at any grocery store)
• 2 tablespoons nourishing oil (I use jojoba, other options include: sweet almond, avocado, and olive oil)

These powerhouse ingredients come together to create the best DIY face wash.

Ingredient Spotlight

Raw Honey: Due to the lack of pasteurization (heating), raw honey is naturally rich in antibacterial and probiotic properties. Honey is gentle for sensitive skin, but tough enough to remove dirt and other impurities. Learn more about the benefits of washing your face with honey. If you can’t find raw honey, use what you can find; just make sure it’s pure honey. Some folks swear by using raw manuka honey for skincare uses, which you’re welcome to use.

Castile Soap: A concentrated vegetable-based soap. I use castile soap for everything from homemade laundry detergent to body wash and foaming hand soap. Use either Baby Mild Castile Soap or Tea Tree Castile Soap for facial cleansing. A 32-ounce bottle of liquid castile soap costs about $17, and one bottle will make about 10 homemade face washes. Explore other natural ways to use castile soap.

Distilled Water: Added to dilute the concentrated soap. Distilled water has all impurities removed, so it’s the safest water to use when making body and cleaning products.

Nourishing Skin Oil: Since oil dissolves oil, it’s only natural to add a nourishing oil to DIY face wash recipes. Jojoba or sweet almond oil work best for all skin types. Avocado oil and olive oil are also options, but can be heavier on the skin.

Print

DIY Homemade Honey Face Wash

Four simple ingredients make this the best homemade honey face wash. The soothing ingredients will leave your skin clean and glowing, without the harsh chemicals.

Course DIY

Cuisine Beauty, Body

Keyword Honey Face Wash

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 8 ounces

Author Kristin Marr

Equipment

• soap dispenser 8-ounces or larger

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup liquid castile soap unscented preferably
• 1/3 cup honey
• 3 tablespoons distilled water
• 2 tablespoons skin-nourishing oil I use jojoba, Other options include: sweet almond, avocado, olive.

Instructions

• In a soap dispenser, add the water first (to prevent bubbles) then the liquid castile soap, honey, and oil.
• Shake the ingredients together until the honey is fully dissolved.

To Use:

• Wet your hands with water.
• Add a squirt of face wash to the palm of your hand.
• Rub your hands together to create suds with the soap.
• Use your palms to massage the soap over your entire face and down your neck. I usually spend about 30-60 seconds massaging my face with the cleanser. As you massage the skin, you'll loosen dead skin cells, dirt, oils, and makeup.
• Wet a clean washcloth with warm water. Use the washcloth to rinse the face wash from the skin, rinsing the washcloth and repeating as needed.
• After cleansing, use a spritz of facial toner (I love rosewater), any serums you may use (I use this A+ serum for hormonal breakouts), and a moisturizer (the best 8 natural face moisturizers).

Video

Notes

When you introduce water into a product without a preservative you always run the risk of introducing bacteria, so use water-based products quickly. Using distilled water is always the safest option.

Reader Feedback: A few readers have shared that this face wash has an interesting smell when the honey and castile soap are mixed together. A smell they don’t particularly enjoy. If this is the case with your face wash,  but you still want the skin benefits of honey, I recommend trying a simple honey and aloe cleanser. If you don’t want to use the honey, try a simple blend of castile soap and water. The scent some readers experience may be coming from the tea tree castile soap, so stick with an unscented version if this is a concern.

FAQs

Can I use honey everyday on my face?

Yes, you can. Honey is soothing and gentle, and safe for everyday use. If you find the cleanser irritates or drys out your skin, it’s most likely due to the soap. In this case, use straight-up honey or this aloe and honey cleanser. Or, check out all my favorite natural cleansers.

Is honey face wash safe to use on acne-prone skin?

Yes, I’ve found it to be very beneficial and safe to use on my acne-prone skin. Honey will not strip the skin of natural oils and is very soothing.

Will honey clog my pores?

No, honey does not clog pores. Rinse the honey from the skin after cleansing.

What can I use to clean my face naturally?

This recipe is just one option for a natural facial cleanser. Back when I originally shared this recipe (in 2015), there weren’t store-bought options made with nourishing, non-toxic ingredients. Today, there are great companies that have stepped up to make incredible non-toxic, natural, botanical skincare products. Check out my article, Best Natural Face Cleaners and Face Wash, for a round-up of the best homemade and store-bought face washes.

Which face wash is 100% natural?

The recipe is about as 100% natural as you’ll find. Other DIY face wash options that are 100% natural: honey and aloe face wash (just honey and aloe), cleanse your face with honey alone, and basic face wash made with castile soap. A few of my favorite natural store-bought face washes: OSEA Ocean Cleanser (use code livesimply for $10 off any $90 order), True Botanicals, Evan Healy Milk Cleanser or Tea Tree Cleanser, One Love Organics, and Blissoma Rejuvenating Gel Cleanser. That said, I challenge you to focus on using safe and nourishing skincare products rather than focusing on 100% natural. Just because something is natural doesn’t mean it’s the solution you’re looking for. Poison Ivy is 100% natural and none of us are spreading that stuff on our faces. Just food for thought. Synthetic ingredients aren’t bad, as long as they are proven to be safe.

What are the best natural face washes for acne?

I’m not an esthetician (listen to my podcast with an esthetician about natural skincare), but I personally struggled with acne for a number of years as an adult. Today, my skin has cleared along with much of the scarring. From my research, honey and aloe are some of the best DIY natural face wash ingredients for acne-prone skin. Honey is antibacterial and hydrating (learn more about using honey to cleanse the face), and both are gentle on the skin and soothing. Aloe and honey don’t strip the skin of natural and beneficial oils, which could cause breakouts and inflammation. I also love this Ocean Cleanser from OSEA for a store-bought option that exfoliates and cleanses the skin without stripping the skin of its natural and beneficial oils (use code livesimply for $10 off any $90 order).

Simplify Natural Skincare

SEE ALL

8 Best Natural Face Moisturizers For All Skin Types and Budgets

Best Non-Toxic Face Cleansers and Face Wash

The Best Non-Toxic Skincare Brands

Podcast 056: How to Nourish Your Skin with Jess Arnaudin

Podcast 036: Navigating Non-Toxic Skincare, Anti-Aging Skincare, and Natural Hair Care with Lisa from This Organic Girl

Where and How to Find Non-Toxic and Natural Skincare (and Body) Products

The post DIY Homemade Honey Face Wash appeared first on Live Simply.

It can feel overwhelming to make the switch to non-toxic skincare products. If you’re currently feeling this way, I have a couple of tips to help you simplify this process…

• Baby steps. I’ve been on this journey for 10 years. It’s taken me 10 years to get to where I am today, and even now I’m still learning and growing and making changes. Small, intentional steps are the key to a long-term lifestyle. The goal is never some kind of perfection; rather, the goal is intentional living and progress.
• Start with the products you use regularly. Here’s the thing. You may want to switch over your entire bathroom cabinet right now, but doing so would cost a fortune and won’t give you time to find the products YOU love. I recommend slowly making changes, starting with one product at a time. Which product should you choose first? Start with the one you use most frequently and the one that comes in direct contact with your skin. Maybe this is lotion or foundation? Maybe this is your moisturizer? Maybe this is deodorant? Maybe this is toothpaste?

What to Look For in a Face Cleanser/ Face Wash

• An face cleanser shouldn’t be harsh or strip your skin of its own natural. beneficial oils. This stripping causes an imbalance of the skin-this can cause breakouts and other issues. Instead, it should clean your face, gently, by removing dirt and makeup (if you’re wearing makeup).
• Choose a product made by a company that’s transparent about ingredients. A company should be proud of the ingredients used and should clearly state these ingredients on packaging and their website. A company shouldn’t hide behind big mysterious words like fragrance. Instead, a company should be willing to share exactly what’s in a product and how it’s made. Here’s a good example of what to avoid by a “natural company.”
• Do your research. If you’re unsure about an ingredient (just because an ingredient is hard to pronounce doesn’t make it unsafe), use the Skin Deep Database from the EWG to look up the specific product or ingredient in question. This database provides information about the safety of ingredients and overall rating for products. I’ve already done this research for you and will share the best organic face washes and which natural face wash products are best (below). 
• Visit a natural and organic beauty store. A great way to browse the non-toxic face cleansers out there is to visit a site like The Detox Market. A place like the The Detox Market curates non-toxic products via their online shop, which makes it easy to see what’s out there.

How to Use a Face Cleanser / Face Wash

• Most cleansers will come with instructions so read the bottle and brand’s product page (on their website) to get the most of your cleanser of choice.
• I only use a facial cleanser at night. In the morning, I simply wash my face with water in the shower. There’s no need to use a cleanser on your face in the morning, unless you’re sweaty from working out (then a cleanser will be useful).
• The secret to using any face cleanser is to first massage the product on a damp face and then use a soft, wet washcloth to rinse off the cleanser and any dirt/makeup (rinse a couple of times, if needed). The cleanser will loosen dirt and cleanse the face, but it’s important to use a cloth to aid in the process. I use gray washcloths so they don’t show makeup or dirt.

Best Natural Face Cleansers

Which natural face cleansers are the best? Below, you’ll find what I consider to be the best natural face washes and cleansers, made with natural and organic ingredients, safe formulas, and zero known toxins.

1. Osea Ocean Cleanser

I’m going to start with the best cleanser out there. This Ocean Cleanser is gentle and great for sensitive skin (or any skin type), removes makeup, and leaves the skin feeling clean and hydrated. One bottle lasts a long time (for me, about 4 months) and the packaging is glass. Every so often I decide to switch up which cleanser I’m using, but ALWAYS return back to this product. It’s hands down the best cleanser I’ve ever used. You’ll only find OSEA products online, unless you have a green beauty store in your area like a Detox Market, Follain, or Credo Beauty. I asked OSEA if they would provide me with a discount code and they kindly did just that. Use code livesimply for 10% off. I also love their face masks!

2. Marie Veronique Gentle Gel Cleanser

Now, let’s talk about my second favorite facial cleanser, Marie Veronique Gentle Gel Cleanser. Marie Veronique makes several facial cleansers. Just like OSEA, this cleanser is super hydrating, gentle, and removes makeup. This cleanser is a few dollars cheaper than OSEA and one bottle does last a while. The best place to purchase Marie Veronique products is online, via the company’s website or The Detox Market (although they only sell a few of the products).

3. True Botanicals 

True Botanicals is a company that delivers amazing results. In fact, True Botanicals beat out Proactiv for clearing acne. I’ve tried all the True Botanicals face cleansers and they’re all fantastic! The natural cleanser you choose from this line depends on your skin type.  This company is cutting edge and makes products that are incredibly effective (including the best natural shampoo and conditioner) and “made safe” certified. I personally don’t use the natural cleanser from True Botanicals because I’m in love with OSEA cleanser, but I have used it in the past. That said, I do use True Botanicals in my skincare routine. The Pure Radiance Oil is liquid gold and a great natural moisturizer for the morning and evening.

5. Evan Healy Tea Tree Cleanser or Milk Cleanser

I found this brand at Whole Foods two years ago and instantly fell in love. The ingredients are botanically based, the packaging is beautiful (and glass), and the brand goes on sale a few times a year at Whole Foods (a good time to stock up and save!). I’ve tried both the Tea Tree Cleanser and Milk Cleanser with good success. Evan Healy products can be found at health food stores, Amazon, and Whole Foods. I also love this company’s shea moisturizer with olive leaf (for a thick nighttime moisturizer–so good!) and hydrosols (use after a face cleanser, as a toner, and before moisturizing).

6. One Love Organics Easy Does It Cleanser 

This cleanser is another affordable option ($25) that can be used on the body and face and will also remove makeup. It comes in a plastic bottle, unlike many of the options above which come in glass (I know this is important for some folks). It’s suitable for all skin types, including dry skin since it won’t dry out or strip your skin. One Love Organics can be found online, via natural beauty stores like The Detox Market.

7. Acure Organics Gel Cleanser or Cream Cleanser

Acure Organics is a great budget-friendly brand. I’ve tried the cleansing gel in the past and enjoyed it. They also make a cream cleanser. Acure can be found at Target, Whole Foods, Amazon, and some health food stores.

8. Blissoma Rejuvenating Gel Cleanser and Makeup Remover

My esthetician introduced me to this line of natural skincare products. Everything I’ve tried from this brand is fantastic and very affordable for such a clean, natural skincare line.  The cleanser is very gentle and won’t strip the skin, while also tough enough to remove dirt, oils, and makeup at the end of a long day. I also recommend the moisturizers from this line (the Sensitive Care Moisturizer is the one I love). If you’re prone to breakouts and have acne prone skin, the Smoothing A+ Correcting Serum is made with 4% niacinamide, herbs, and vitamin A and perfect for calming flare ups. I use this before bed, after a face cleanser and toner and before moisturizing for hormonal acne.

Best Homemade Face Cleaners / Face Wash

Let’s transition to a few homemade or do-it-yourself organic facial cleansers. The natural face wash products on this list are made with natural ingredients. All the products are budget-friendly and super easy to make at home.

1. (Do-It-Yourself) Honey and Aloe Vera Cleanser

This cleanser uses the antibacterial and humectant power of honey to cleanse and hydrate the skin. I recommend using a makeup remover before this cleanser.

2. (Do-It-Yourself) Cleansing Grains

If you’re looking for an exfoliant/cleanser/mask all in one, this is cleanser is for you. To make a facial cleanser, combine the cleansing grains (a powder made from ground oats and clay) with a liquid and then massage the grains on the skin. I recommend using a makeup remover before using the grains. You can also use cleansing grains just for exfoliation a couple times a week to remove dead skin cells.

3. (Do-It-Yourself) Basic Natural Face Wash

If you’re looking for more of a soapy cleanser, this is a great option. This easy-to-customize recipe starts with a castile soap base and then builds from there, based on your preferences. Castile soap can cause the skin to feel dry and tight, so if you have dry skin or you’re looking for extra hydration, this cleanser may not be your best option.

4. Just Honey

Honey is a simple organic face wash that may be used on its own. It may seem slightly odd to use honey to wash your face, but it’s a practice that’s been around for ages. Honey washes away impurities and hydrates the skin.

If you love a particular face cleanser/face wash, share your experience in the comments. I love learning about new brands and products from you all.

If you love a particular face cleanser/face wash, share your experience in the comments. I love learning about new brands and products from you all.

The post Best Non-Toxic Face Cleansers and Face Wash appeared first on Live Simply.

If you’re looking for a place to save in your non-toxic skincare routine, going with a homemade cleanser is a great option. I recommend investing/splurging on a good face oil or cream moisturizer (my favorites right now are Laurel for a face oil and OSEA for a more traditional cream moisturizer) and then saving money on the cleanser and toner (I love rosewater by Cocokind).

Using honey to wash your face is a budget-friendly way to do this, but don’t let the minimal cost of this face wash fool you into thinking it doesn’t pack in amazing skincare benefits.

Why Use Honey to Wash Your Face

It may seem slightly odd to use this sticky substance to wash your face, but it’s a practice that’s been around for ages. According to the authors of Honey: A therapeutic Agent for Disorders of the Skin,  “Honey has been recognized around the world for its healing properties with records of its therapeutic use dating back to 2000 B.C.”

• Honey (and milk) is believed to have been used by Cleopatra as a face wash.
• The Ancient Greeks and Egyptians used honey as a treatment for wounds and burns.
• Today, honey is used all over the world as a skincare ingredient and to cleanse the skin and treat skin conditions (like eczema).

Honey has been used this way because of its amazing benefits.

The benefits of honey…

• rich in antioxidants
• has antibacterial properties (check out this article from the National Institutes of Health)
• a natural preservative
• a humectant, which means it has moisturizing properties 
• is soothing
• doesn’t strip the skin (like many commercial face washes and soaps) and works to regulate the pH of the skin, which is essential for healthy skin function
• it’s relatively cheap, considering the multi-purpose nature of this ingredient

When honey is used as a face wash (or part of a skincare routine, say as a face mask), honey can leave the skin cleansed, nourished, hydrated, and glowing. Honey can be fantastic for all skin types, particularly acne-prone skin and aging skin due to the antibacterial and antioxidant properties.

How to Wash Your Face with Honey

Let’s get super practical. A few months ago, my video guy came over to shoot a video on how to use honey to wash your face (the video was for an olive oil company, not Live Simply which is why there isn’t a video in this post). I’ll never forget the stunned look on his face when I told him that our next shot was of me washing my face with honey. “Ummm, how are you going to do that?” was his reaction.

I get it. Washing your face with honey may seem a bit different, particularly if you’re used to conventional face wash products with sudsing and foaming agents or even just a bar soap. Suds are not essential for face cleansing. You won’t get the same experience when using honey, but it’s easy to get past this once you experience how your skin feels and looks after using honey as a face wash.

What You Need

Raw, unfiltered honey: This kind of honey is going to be the best choice as it hasn’t been heated so its full of beneficial properties. You can find this at farmer’s markets, via a Google search for raw honey, or in grocery stores.

How to Wash Your Face

• Before washing: If the honey comes in a large bottle or jar, you may want to pour some honey into a smaller jar so you can keep it in your bathroom. I love a small 4-ounce mason jar or Weck jar with a tight lid (to keep ants and bugs out). A small jar will make it easier to use the honey as a face wash.
• Before washing: Remove makeup. You can do this by applying a small amount of oil (like jojoba oil) to a cotton ball and then wiping your face with the cotton ball. Or, you can make a homemade makeup remover–I share my favorites in this post.
• 1st: Splash your face with warm water so it’s damp.
• 2nd: Pour a small amount of honey into the palm of your hand (you can also use a small spoon to scoop the honey from the jar).
• 3rd: Massage the honey onto your face using your hands, just as you would a commercial face wash.
• 4th: After spending a few seconds massaging your face with honey, run a washcloth under fresh, warm water. Use the washcloth to gently remove the honey from your face, neck, and hands. Rinse the washcloth as needed, repeating until all honey has been removed.
• 5th: Follow up with a toner (I love this rosewater toner from Cocokind) and moisturizer. I love any of the oils from Laurel Skin and this OSEA moisturizer (coupon code Livesimply takes $10 off any $90 purchase from OSEA). During the day, I use oil as a moisturizer (Laurel) and at night I use both an oil and the OSEA moisturizer for extra hydration.

I only wash my face at night, before bed, with face wash (such as this honey). In the morning, I splash my face with water or rinse my face with water in the shower. This is up to you and what works for you, your skin, and lifestyle (if you workout and sweat in the am, etc.).

Honey Face Wash Recipes

You don’t need to make a face wash “product.” You can simply use honey, as-is, as a face wash (as we talked about above). But if you want something more or just don’t love the idea of using straight up honey on your face, here are a couple of ideas…

• Honey Face Wash: This is a nice option for someone who wants the suds of a face wash. With this option, you don’t need to remove makeup first. Combine 1/3 cup liquid castile soap, 1/3 cup honey, 3 tablespoons distilled water, and 2 tablespoons of jojoba or sweet almond oil in a soap dispenser bottle. Give the bottle a shake and use as a face wash.
• Honey and Aloe Cleanser: If you don’t want all the stickiness of honey, try this option. I’ve found that you don’t need to remove makeup first with this option, unless you’re wearing a heavy amount. Mix 1/4 cup aloe vera gel, 1/4 cup honey, and 1 tablespoon jojoba oil or sweet almond oil. Mix the ingredients together in a jar, pour or spoon into your hand and use as a face wash.

Maybe you already have a beloved face wash (there are some fantastic non-toxic cleansers out there) and switching to honey isn’t for your right now. You can still incorporate honey into your skincare routine by making a honey mask. Here are two of my favorite honey face masks.

• Honey and Spirulina Face Mask (the Glow Mask): Combine 1 teaspoon honey with 1/2 teaspoon spirulina powder. Mix together and apply to face. Let rest for 10 minutes, then rinse off. Read about spriulina and how to make this mask here.
• Honey and Yogurt Mask: Combine 1 tablespoon plain yogurt and 1 teaspoon honey. Apply the mask to your face, let rest for 20 minutes, then rinse off. This is one of my favorite weekly masks! Read about the benefits of using yogurt as a face mask here.

The post How to Wash Your Face with Honey appeared first on Live Simply.

Well, that’s alarming.

There are 80,000 chemicals on the market today, but many of these chemicals don’t have any safety data to back them up. This is particularly an issue in the skincare, beauty, and cleaning industry.

When you take a deep dive into researching these products and ingredients, it can be concerning to read about the impact they have on the body.

For example, “fragrance” is considered a trade secret that is commonly found on the ingredient list of products.

Most of us are fooled into believing (thanks to marketing and imagery) that the rose fragrance found in our favorite facial cream is derived from roses grown on a picturesque farm in France. But that’s not the case…

This ingredient can be made with hundreds of different chemicals, including phthalates which are believed to disrupt hormones, cause reproductive health issues, be carcinogenic, and may be linked to asthma.

Since fragrance is a “trade secret,”companies are not required to list the ingredients used to make their formulations. (See an example here.)

Fragrance is just one example of the questionable ingredients used to make skincare and beauty products. The very products marketed to us as “safe.”

How to Make The Switch to Non-Toxic and Natural Skincare Products

Now that we’ve talked about the sneaky side of the beauty/body industry, let’s focus our attention on changes we can make.

While it would be great to see change in the regulation of beauty products, and we can certainly advocate for such changes, that change isn’t here just yet.

So let’s focus on the steps we can take right now that make a direct impact on the products we use on our skin and in our home.

There are two ways to go about this…

Make your own products (there are many recipes here on the blog and even more in my body book)

Buy products from transparent companies doing things differently (or as they should be doing)

What You Need to Know About the Natural Beauty Industry

First, cost…

The prices on most non-toxic skincare brands and products that are made with safe-for-you-ingredients aren’t going to be the cheapest. The do-it-yourself route can be more affordable, but DIYing isn’t an option for everything, particularly when talking about hair products or SPF face products.

Second, the term “clean beauty” or “non-toxic skincare” has zero regulation behind it…

Just about any company can claim to be “clean” or “green” or “natural.”

The EWG and Think Dirty can be helpful resources when looking at specific products and ingredients. I’ve also found that it’s helpful to get to know companies (ask questions, ask for full disclosure of ingredients and why ingredients are used) and continually support the ones that are 100% transparent. (Check out this post for an example of a correspondence I had recently with a company that claims to be “natural” and “clean” but isn’t transparent–a big warning sign!)

The Best Non-Toxic Skincare Products and Brands

The following list is what I consider at the moment (as there are always new companies emerging or companies I don’t know about yet) to be the best of the best in the green beauty industry for skincare products. If you love a brand that’s not featured on this list, please leave a comment and share.

You don’t need to swap out all of your skincare products at once. The key to sustainable change is baby steps. And you don’t need to make the switch to one of my favorite non-toxic skincare brands. I’m simply sharing this list to provide a place to start, a list of brands that I personally love and buy from.

NATURAL EVERYTHING BODY

• Dr. Bronner’s: Bar and liquid body soap and toothpaste
• Plant Apothecary: A variety of body wash scents
• Schmidts: My favorite deodorant brand. Check out all the brands I’ve tried and enjoyed over the years, here.
• All Good: Body Lotion and sunscreen
• OSEA: Body oil (a great alternative to lotion)
• True Botanicals: Body oil (a great alternative to lotion)
• Suntegrity: Sunscreen for the face and body. I like the stick version which I keep in my purse for running/walking. Check out other great sunscreen options, here.
• David’s: My favorite toothpaste. The closest thing to Crest that I can find. Check out more toothpaste options, here.
• Aila: The best nail polish.

NATURAL FACE SKINCARE

• Marie Veronique: I was introduced to this brand to help calm hormonal acne. Marie is an OG in the green beauty world (before it was cool) and an amazing chemist. My favorite products are the Pre + Probiotic Daily Mist (use as a toner), Intensive Repair Serum (great for hormonal acne), and facial cleanser.
• True Botanicals: Great for aging and acne-prone skin. Just an all-around fantastic skincare line. I love the True Radiance Oil for a facial moisturizer.
• Blissoma: This is a company I was recently introduced to thanks to my holistic esthetician. I love the Rejuvenating Gel Cleanser and Makeup Remover,  Flawless Clear Condition Facial Oil and Sensitive Care Moisturizer for a moisturizer, Smooth A Correcting Serum for acne prone skin and calming breakouts (apply before a moisturizer), and the exfoliators.
• OSEA: The Ocean Cleanser is my favorite cleanser of all time. This company makes all-around fantastic skincare products. Use coupon code livesimply to take 10% off an order of $90+.
• CocoKind: I love this brand’s toners (applied after a facial cleanser and before a moisturizer). I use the Raspberry Vinegar Toner. The Rosewater Toner is also fantastic.
• Laurel: Fantastic facial oils (to use a moisturizer)
• Osmia: Blemish oil for spot treatment and face cream.
• Leahlani: Amazing face masks and exfoliators, serums, and facial oils.
• Josh Rosebrook: I love the Cacao Antioxidant Face mask and Daily Acid Toner. Everything Josh makes is amazing.
• Evan Healy: An herbal line of natural skincare found at Whole Foods and on Amazon. I love the shea butter moisturizer (a great night moisturizer), face cleanser, and hydrosols (for toner).

NATURAL MAKEUP 

• Josh Rosebrook: Makes a great tinted SPF moisturizer.
• ILIA: My favorite foundation when I want something for going out: true skin foundation and the best tinted moisturizer. I also like the brow gel and mascara.
• Alima Pure: foundation setting powder to go over foundation
• W3LL People: My favorite all-around makeup company that’s affordable and functional. I use the setting powder, bronzer powder, brow gel, and concealer. Their mascara is also fantastic. This is my daily go-to makeup.
• Kosas: I love the tinted facial oil as a foundation. Light and breathable coverage.
• Honest Beauty: I love the cream blush from this brand. They also make the best mascara. And kudos points for affordability and being easy to find (Target, etc.)
• BeautyCounter: Okay, I’ll be honest. I’m not a huge fan of this brand (and yes, I’ve tried many of their products and even signed up to be a rep with them when they first got started). That said, I do think they have the best eye shadow on the market.

The post The Best Non-Toxic Skincare Brands appeared first on Live Simply.

If you peeked under my sink a few years ago, you would have counted at least 12 “different” products. I never sat down to calculate how much money I spent on all those products (most of which I didn’t use), but I’m sure the annual cost was quite significant.

After making changes to the way we eat (going from a diet of highly processed food to one of healthy, real food), I started to question the cleaning products used in home. I was curious (just as I was about food): what ingredients were used to create my favorite cleaning products? Why did my favorite beauty products smell a certain way? What ingredients were used to make the products sprayed in my home and layered on my body and were they safe? I also started to question whether so many different cleaning products were essential.

I was shocked to learn that cleaning and body products are not required go through rigorous testing or approval. In fact, cleaning companies are not required to disclose their ingredients (beauty product are required).

When you take a deep dive into researching these products and ingredients, it can be concerning to read about the impact they have on the body. For example, “fragrance” is considered a trade secret that is commonly found on the ingredient list (if disclosed) of products. This ingredient (which can be made with hundreds of different chemicals, including phthalates which disrupt hormones) is top secret and incredibly concerning in terms of toxic ingredients. This is just one example of the concerning ingredients that can be used to make a product.

Sure, maybe a small amount of these ingredients aren’t harmful (as companies say), but when you consider how many products we use in a day (or week or month), we aren’t using a trace amount of these chemicals in our homes and on our bodies. We’re burdening our systems with all these ingredients and the cumulative effect of using so many potentially-toxic chemicals.

You’ll find a lot of natural and green marketing words used to describe cleaning and body products today. These terms have no regulation, so full transparency of ingredients is all we have to help us navigate products and make informed choices.

A company should be completely transparent about their sourcing and ingredients, particularly a company that claims (on a website or packaging) to be “natural” or “non-toxic.” There should be nothing to hide. Instead, such a company should be proud to disclose their ingredients. This includes companies making both body and cleaning products.

At the time (remember, this was 9 years ago), there weren’t many transparent brands on the market making ready-to-use, multi-purpose cleaning products, so I decided to research the idea of making my own products. My research led to the discovery of a natural product that cleans anything and everything: castile soap.

What is Castile Soap?

Castile soap is a plant-based soap made from vegetable oils (olive, coconut, palm) and plant oils. Here’s the exact definition and ingredient list from Dr. Bronner’s  (a popular castile soap brand).

“Castile soap is a concentrated vegetable-based soap with easy to recognize ingredients:Water, Organic Coconut Oil, Potassium Hydroxide, Organic Palm Kernel Oil, Organic Olive Oil, Lavandin Extract, Organic Hemp Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Lavender Extract, Citric Acid, Tocopherol.” 

Want to learn more?  In this guide, learn everything you need to know about this traditional soap, how to use it, 7 amazing benefits, the best brands, and warnings.

History of Castile Soap

Castile soap isn’t a new fad. It’s been around since the 11th century and was first made in the Aleppo of the Levant region (modern day Syria). The Crusaders learned about this soap which was, eventually, duplicated in Europe without success. That is, until a region in Spain (called Castile) was able to get the recipe right and successfully made what we know today as “castile soap.” The soap became popular with Spanish royalty and eventually by the 1500’s made its way to England.

3 Reasons to Use This Soap

Besides being an ancient and traditional soap, there are several reasons why castile soap is awesome…

• Super Versatile: Castile soap is super versatile. You can make cleaning and body products with the same soap.
• Inexpensive: A 32-ounce bottle of castile soap will cost $17. Yes, this is more expensive than a bottle of all-purpose cleaner, but it will last you for months! Castile soap is highly concentrated so a little bit goes a long way.
• Non-Toxic: Castile soap is made with easy to recognize, simple, non-toxic ingredients. This is why you can use it on your skin and the surfaces in your home.

How to Use Castile Soap

When using castile soap to make household cleaners, there are a few things to keep in mind…

• Dilute: Castile soap isn’t meant to be used as-is, unless you’re buying the bar soap for your body. It’s intended to be diluted before use. This chart is a great cheat sheet.
• Don’t Mix Castile Soap with Vinegar: I see this all the time on Pinterest. Please do not mix your castile soap with vinegar. You will not make an amazing cleaner. You’ll end up with a mess. When combined, vinegar (an acid) and castile soap (a base) cancel each other and create unsaponified soap. This reaction reduces the soap back to its original oils. If you try mixing the two ingredients you’ll immediately notice the castile soap curdles and feels very oily.
• Castile Soap is Safe for Most Surfaces: Unlike vinegar (which shouldn’t be used on marble or granite or unsealed wood), castile soap is safe to use on most surfaces in your home. The only one caution I would advise is to avoid using castile soap on waxed floors to avoid build-up.
• Castile Soap is Skin Safe: It’s not only safe for most surfaces, but also safe to use on the skin. Just be sure to dilute.

Where to Buy Castile Soap

You’ll find castile soap in most stores, from Target to Walmart to Whole Foods and the down-the-street grocery store. Many times, castile soap won’t be found in the cleaning section, so be sure to check the body care section. You can also buy castile soap on Amazon.

I recommend Dr. Bronner’s brand. I’ve tried other brands in the past, but haven’t been pleased with most options. Dr. Bronner’s makes several options for scents. I prefer the baby mild since I can add my own essential oils (for scent or additional antibacterial properties) or just go free of any scent. If you want to try a scented castile soap (the scents are completely natural and not made with the hormone disrupting ingredients found in “fragrance”), here’s what I recommend…

For cleaning products: Lavender, Tea Tree or Citrus

For beauty products: Lavender, Tea Tree or Baby Mild

7 Money-Saving Recipes Using Castile Soap

I don’t make all of these products today (9 years after I learned about castile soap and started making products at home). There are quite a few store-bought options now on the market, so most of my skincare is from brands I love and trust. I still make the most of my own cleaning products with laundry soap being the one exception. I find that making my own cleaning products to be the most affordable option for natural cleaning.

This list is to give you an idea of all the different products you can make with one bottle of castile soap. Using this one ingredient to make multiple products saves money and allows you to know exactly what’s going into your products.

1. All-Purpose Cleaner Spray

My favorite cleaning product that will clean nearly every surface in your home. Use this cleaner in your bathroom and kitchen, your sinks, stovetops, even your toilets.

• 2 cups distilled water
• 2 TB liquid castile soap
• 15 drops essential of choice, such as: lavender, tea tree, orange, or peppermint
• 16-ounce glass spray bottle

Pour the water into the spray bottle (use a funnel, if needed). Add the castile soap and essential oil. Gentle shake the cleaner. This cleaner may be stored at room temperature.

2. Hand Soap

With two active kiddos we go through a lot of hand soap in our house. A bottle of natural hand soap costs $3.99-$6 a bottle, depending on the brand. One 32-ounce bottle of castile soap makes approximately 8 homemade bottles of hand soap. If you don’t like the liquid feel of this hand soap, use a foaming hand soap dispenser instead of a regular soap dispenser.

• 1/2 cup distilled water
• 1/2 cup liquid castile soap
• 1 TB sweet almond oil, grapeseed oil, avocado, or olive oil (optional, for moisturizing)
• 15 drops tea tree essential oil (optional, for bacteria-fighting properties)
• 5-10 drops lavender essential oil (optional, for bacteria-fighting properties)
• soap dispenser or foaming soap dispenser bottle

More Recipe Ideas

SEE ALL RECIPES

DIY Homemade Powder Laundry Detergent (3 Ingredients)

DIY Toilet Bowl Cleaner (Just 3 Ingredients!)

How to Make DIY Homemade All-Purpose Surface Cleaners 

DIY Homemade Liquid Laundry Detergent (3 Ingredients)

DIY Homemade Stain Remover Recipe For Clothes

Cleaning With Castile Soap (15 How to Use Recipes & Tips)

The post 7 Money-Saving Recipes Using Castile Soap appeared first on Live Simply.

I’ve become obsessed with clean, natural, green–whatever you want to call it–beauty products over the past few years. When I refer to “clean” beauty (a term that is popular right now), I’m referring to products made with ingredients that are proven to be safe and effective, whether natural or synthetic . And most importantly, products that are made with ingredients that nourish and benefit the skin.

The term “clean beauty” has zero regulation behind it, so just about any company can claim to be “clean” or “green” or “natural.” It’s up to us, as consumers, to do our homework and not just take this marketing word at face value. The EWG and Think Dirty can be helpful resources when looking at specific products and ingredients. I’ve also found that it’s helpful to get to know companies (ask questions, ask for full disclosure of ingredients and why ingredients are used) and continually support the ones that are 100% transparent. (Check out this post for an example of a correspondence I had recently with a company that claims to be “natural” and “clean” but isn’t transparent–a big warning sign!)

Over the past year, I’ve experimented with a number of “clean beauty” products. I’ve purchased every single product, too, for my own use. These products weren’t gifts from companies or trades for shout-outs or sponsored posts. Just like I demand transparency from beauty companies, I think it’s also important that I’m 100% transparent with you.

Today, let’s talk about the best clean beauty products from 2019. Keep in mind, many of these products have been around for a few years, so these weren’t necessarily new in 2019. These are just the products that I particularly loved in 2019.

Since beauty is a broad category, I’ve divided our chat into two separate categories: skincare and makeup. If you want to talk about hair-care products, head over to this post.

My morning skincare routine…

is quick, simple, and to the point (about 5 minutes). I rinse my face with water (no cleanser needed in the morning), spritz toner, and apply moisturizer. If I wake up early enough, I may apply a mask in the morning, too. This generally happens once or twice a week.

My evening routine…

has more steps/products than the morning routine. In the evening, before bed, I wash my face with a cleanser to remove dirt and makeup and debris from the day, spritz toner, use a serum, and then moisturize.

There can be a bit of price shock with some of these products (okay, most), but here’s the thing. Because these products are so incredibly potent and powerful (we’re not talking about products that consist of mostly water and filler ingredients), a little bit goes a long way. For example, a facial oil can last me 3-4 months since only a few drops are needed. A face mask might last me an entire year.

Facial Cleansers

• OSEA Facial Cleanser: Still my favorite facial cleanser of all time! Gentle and effective and made with lactic acid for a light, daily exfoliation.

Toners 

• Marie Veronique Balancing HypoTonic: I have a hard time spending a lot of money on a toner, so when I do, it better work! According to Marie Veronique (which I 100% agree with because I’ve seen these results with my own skin), “the tonic not only promotes liquid/lipid balances, it also restores and improves overall barrier function.”
• Josh Rosebrook Hydrating Accelerator: Josh Rosebrook is all about hydration and this product definitely reflects that. This year, I switched between the HypoTonic toner (above) and this product. I would love to use both simultaneously, but, alas, money doesn’t grow on trees.

Serums

• Marie Veronique Intensive Repair Serum: This serum was originally recommended to me a couple of years ago from an esthetician. I was frustrated by hormonal breakouts and was looking for a product that would help fight against the flare-ups. This product has done just that! I only use this product twice a week. It keeps my pores free from congestion and reduces hormonal breakout occurrences. <–I’m still working on the stress component of hormonal breakouts.
• Josh Rosebrook Hydration Boost Concentrate: This is the best hyaluronic acid serum I’ve tried so far! It’s not sticky (as most are) and a little bit goes a long way! It leaves my skin plump and hydrated, which is important as the skin ages (I just turned 35). I’ve been using this daily after a toner and before applying moisturizer.

Moisturizers

• Marie Veronique Protective Day Oil: I just recently started using this day oil as my morning moisturizer. I’m in love! This oil delivers fatty acids to build and maintain healthy skin on top of UV protection. It’s not greasy so you can wear makeup right after application.
• Marie Veronique Rejuvenating Night Oil: This is the companion to the day oil mentioned above. I use this oil at night as the moisturizer step in my routine. Again, I’m in love! This oil is “excellent for repairing and replenishing barrier function to dehydrated skin.” I have acne-prone, oily skin and learned a couple of years ago that my skin was over-producing oil because it was so dry! Using oil on my skin, as a moisturizer, has completely transformed my skin health.
• True Botanicals Pure Radiance Oil: This is the first oil I ever used on my skin. This is the product that originally converted me over to using oil as a moisturizer. I love this oil and continue to recommend it even though I’m not currently using it (currently using Marie Veronique above).
• Josh Rosebrook Vital Balm Cream: This is a very new purchase for me. I’ve started to use this at night, occasionally, for extra hydration after using the Rejuvenating Night Oil. It’s the first cream moisturizer that I’ve really enjoyed. If you want to try this product and the hyaluronic serum and the toner, I recommend this set (it’s a deal!).

Exfoliators

• Josh Rosebrook Enzyme Exfoliator: “Potent fruit, honey, and herbal enzymes and acids gently slough away dead skin cells…” I use this weekly as both a mask and exfoliator all in one. Exfoliation is important for skin health, but it’s also important not to over-exfoliate or damage the skin in the process. This exfoliator is gentle but also effective.
• Leahlani Honey Love: I ran out of this product mid-year and haven’t purchased a new jar because I’ve been using the Enzyme Exfoliator (above), but once that runs out I’ll rotate back to the Honey Love. I keep my basic skincare the same and love to switch things up by rotating exfoliators and masks from my favorite companies.

Masks 

• MAHALO The Petal Hydrating Mask: My favorite mask of 2019! I bought this mask during a Follain sale because (without a sale) it’s EXPENSIVE! I’m obsessed with this mask. It contains clay and hyaluronic acid and the most pleasant rose scent. It literally leaves my skin with a glow.
• May Lindstrom The Problem Solver: I purchased this product at the beginning of 2019 (again, on sale because it’s expensive). I’ve heard so much about this mask and had to try it. At first, I was seriously disappointed. My skin broke out and I went to Instagram Story to, essentially, complain. But since I spent so much on this mask, and the jar is huge, I kept trying. Since this is a powder that you mix with a liquid, I decided to mix it up with yogurt. That was the answer! Now, I’m in love with this mask (when the dry powder is mixed with yogurt), and just ran out this morning (insert sad face). It’s a great mask for “solving problems,” particularly breakouts and clearing out the skin when pores feel “backed up.”
• Homemade Spirulina Mask: This is a homemade mask (insert budget-friendly high five) that is incredibly easy to make: just honey and spirulina powder. The other recommendations are definitely on the high end of masks, but this mask delivers results without costing a fortune.

Josh Rosebrook Tinted SPF 30 Moisturizer: I’ve been using W3LL People Tinted SPF Moisturizer for a couple years and in 2019 switched over to Josh Rosebrook Tinted SPF Moisturizer. Both are lovely, but I really love the lightweight formula from Josh. I don’t need much coverage these days from a foundation (thankful for the improvement in my skin’s health over the past few years) so this lightweight formula is perfect for every day use.

Ilia True Skin Serum Foundation (in SF2): When I want more coverage for an evening out, this is my go-to foundation. It’s literally a skincare product and foundation in one. Since I only use it occasionally, one bottle has lasted me an entire year!

W3LL People Bio Correct Muti-Action Concealer (in Light): If I need some cover up, whether under my eyes or a blemish, this is my go-to concealer to use on top of foundation (either Josh or Ilia).

W3LL People Bio Brightener Invisible Powder: This is a setting powder that I use on top of my foundation (either option above). It takes away shine and sets the foundation (so it lasts all day) without looking cakey, overdone, or dry.

FitGlow Eye Bright: I love using this stuff under my eyes. It brightens dark circles (hello, mom life) and makes me look more awake and alert.

Honest Beauty Cream Blush (in Rose Pink): My favorite blush and it’s incredibly budget-friendly! I purchase this blush from Target (which has an expanded clean beauty section).

BeautyCounter Eyeshadow (in classic): Okay, I’m not a huge fan of BeautyCounter. Please don’t send all the reps after me. I’ve tried a number of BeautyCounter products and I’m just not impressed. Plus, they aren’t the cleanest green beauty company out there. The reason we’re hearing so much about BeautyCounter these days is because people are motivated by selling, selling, selling ($$$)–it’s an MLM model company. That said, I really love their eyeshadow palettes because the formulas last all day, which is hard to find in the clean beauty world.

Ilia Brow Gel: This gel is a finicky product. It tends to flake if I apply it too heavily, but other than that I really love this product. I just brush out my brows with an extra eyebrow brush after applying to keep the gel from flaking later in the day. I also tried BeautyCounter’s brow gel this year and found it dried out quickly and didn’t last long. I haven’t had these issues with Ilia, so that’s another reason why I love it.

Ilia Colorblock High Impact Lipstick (in Amberlight): If I’m going to wear lipstick, it’s going to be Ilia. This product hydrates and provides long-lasting coverage (in terms of a clean beauty product).

The post Best Clean Beauty Products appeared first on Live Simply.

I think it’s really cool to watch the progression of my skincare routine. For one, it’s a testament to the fact that there are seasons for everything. This has certainly been true for my skincare routine. Second, this shows how just far “green” beauty (or non-toxic skincare–whatever term you prefer) has come in such a short time.

You can create a skincare routine on any budget and with a variety of products, either homemade or store-bought. Remember, this is my routine. It’s not the end-all-be-all of skincare routines or products. That’s why I write posts like this one to provide you with a variety of product options in a variety of price points. We’re also going to talk in the future about how to create a non-toxic skincare routine on any budget. I don’t want anyone to think you have to spend $100 on a face oil to make the switch to non-toxic products. You don’t. You can create a simpler, homemade moisturizer with jojoba oil at home–and I did just that for many years. That’s also why I created Natural Body Care Simplified -to show you how to make products as well as what to look for when purchasing products.

It’s encouraging to see the shift in the products available today. With the expansion of the internet and online bloggers and shops, it’s easier than ever to find clean skincare products. Now you can find makeup, nail polish, skincare products, and even cleaning products made with full transparency and safe ingredients.

Today, we have the choice between making a product or purchasing a product. That’s amazing! I welcome this choice.

Because of this, I’ve shifted my focus here on Live Simply from 100% homemade products (when it comes to skincare, body care, and cleaning) to also talking about non-toxic, more natural store-bought options.

When I first started the blog, I was a stay-at-home mom with two small children. That was a season of life that allowed me to have more time to make things like deodorant and laundry soap and nourishing meals. Today, my season of life is different. As a working mom, my time is limited, so focusing on nourishing meals is my top priority. This means I buy most of my skincare products and some cleaning products, like laundry soap.

My hope in providing recommendations for store-bought options, as well as offering homemade recipes, is to show people that a more natural lifestyle is possible no matter what stage of life you’re currently enjoying. The goal is to be intentional about what we use in our homes and put on and in our bodies.

A Few Thoughts:

• Most of these products last quite a long time (about 4-6+ months or longer–the antioxidant powder lasts the longest, the Marie Veronique Serum as well). I only need a very small amount of each products.
• My morning skincare routine is quick, simple, and to the point (about 5 minutes). That’s what I need in the morning.
• My evening routine has more steps/products than the morning routine. Does a nightly skincare routine need to include all these products? No. It’s important to find what works well for your skin. I’ve found a cleanser, toner, moisturizer, and serum (particularly for my aging skin) is my sweet spot. I’ve added in a couple of extras as well, because I’ve noticed a difference when using them.
• If I lived in the perfect environment (the perfect climate, no pollution, etc.), I probably wouldn’t need something like an antioxidant powder or a intensive repair serum. But, I live in a big city, with pollution and stress and all the things. While healthy skin goes way beyond the products we use on our skin, I’m a big believer in nourishing our skin with beneficial ingredients.
• The products below have transformed my skin, and that’s why I continue to use them. That said, having healthy skin is about more than just skincare products. Skin health is about micro-biome and gut health, as well as hormone health, hydration (drinking lots of water), enjoying nourishing food, getting plenty of sleep, and stress load. One of my favorite resources for learning about skin health (beyond just products) is Marie Veronique–the posts are science-based and holistically-minded. I also wrote about the practices that have improved my skin health. As you may know, I struggled with my skin health after having my second baby. It was due to my own skincare “woes” that my passion for skin health was fostered. Today, I’m still learning how to take care of my skin and I love to share this knowledge with you.
• The goal of using these products isn’t perfection. The goal is nourished and healthy skin. Focusing on taking care of my skin (sleep, nourishing ingredients, nourishing meals, etc.) versus covering it up (the latter was my focus for years–how can I cover my skin and hide what’s there?) has made such a difference. I still use and love makeup, but my emphasis now isn’t trying to covering up; rather, my focus is taking care of my skin and loving my skin.

Okay, now let’s get to the good stuff…my skincare routine and a video showing exactly what I use and how I use it.

Morning Routine

Step One: Wash face with water

There’s no need to wash my face with cleanser first thing in the morning. Warm water is perfect, either from the sink or the shower.

Step Two: Marie Veronique Pre and Probiotic Mist (Toner)

I don’t know if this product is technically a toner, but it was recommended to me as a toner by an esthetician. This is the best “toner” I’ve ever used. I’m addicted! This spray contains micronutrients that help to balance the skin and encourage microbial diversity.

Step Three: True Botanicals Pure Radiance Oil 

The idea of using oil on my skin once terrified me. Wouldn’t oil cause more breakouts? The truth is, some oils will cause breakouts. Coconut oil is the perfect example. While coconut oil works on some people’s face, it’s high on comedogenic scale which means it can clog pores. (Coconut oil is fine for the body, just not ideal for the face.) Some oils will actually nourish and balance the skin. True Botanicals makes my favorite skin oil, which is a carefully-crafted blend of several nourishing oils. This product has transformed my skin.

Most lotions or facial moisturizers include oil, but the oil is diluted with other ingredients (water, a preservative if water is involved, etc.). When using a facial oil, your skin is reaping the full benefits of the oils in the product. This is why a facial oil is usually more expensive, but also more concentrated and beneficial. 2-3 drops of a facial oil is usually all you need at one time.

I get this oil through the Sun and Moon Subscription, which saves a few dollars. My current subscription is set for every 4 months.

Step Four: Leahlani Aloha Ambrosia Elixir

If I’m wearing makeup, I’ll apply a makeup primer after the True Botanicals Pure Radiance Oil. This primer (which is an oil) helps my makeup to go on smoothly and “flawlessly.” I like to spend a couple of minutes massaging my skin with this primer before applying foundation. You can read about my makeup routine, here.

Evening Routine

Step One: OSEA Face Cleanser 

In the evening, I splash my face with warm water, massage OSEA cleanser on my face, and then rinse with a wet, warm washcloth. A good cleanser shouldn’t strip the skin of its own oils or disrupt micro-biome (as so many harsh cleansers do). A good cleanser should be gentle, but also effective in removing dirt and cleansing the skin. The OSEA cleanser is gentle and leaves my skin feeling clean and super hydrated. One bottle lasts me about 4 months.

Step Two: Marie Veronique Pre and Probiotic Mist (Toner)

We already talked about this wonderful toner. After cleansing, I use this toner again in the evening.

Step Three: Marie Veronique Intensive Repair Serum OR  True Botanicals Cellular Repair Serum + True Botanicals Antioxidant Powder

I rotate between these “extra” products throughout the week.

Marie Veronique Intensive Repair Serum keeps any hormonal breakouts or any breakouts for any reason at bay. This serum is tingly when applied and super effective.

When I’m not using the Intensive Repair Serum, I’ll turn to the True Botanicals Antioxidant Powder. This powder must be mixed with water or a serum. I’ve been mixing it with the True Botanicals Cellular Repair Serum. I picked this up during the company’s once-a-year-sale.

Step Four: Live Botanical Hyaluronic Acid Serum

This is a new product in my skincare routine. Hyaluronic acid is the key to hydrated and smooth skin, which is why I decided to add it to my skincare routine.

Step Five: True Botanicals Pure Radiance Oil

This oil is liquid gold and my go-to moisturizer in the morning and evening.

The post Video: Morning and Evening Skincare Routine Using Natural and Non-Toxic Products appeared first on Live Simply.

I welcome this shift. This means that I now have more time to do other things, like make homemade meals or spend time with my family. Minutes add up! 

Now, I can walk into Target (just one example) and find some incredible skincare options. Target! A store that once sold only toxic skincare products now proudly sells brands like W3LL People (lovely makeup), Meow Meow Tweet (natural deodorant), S.W. Basics, and Acure (fantastic products, ranging from facial products to shampoo).

With that said, I still love dabbling with homemade products and sharing them on the blog. Knowing how to make something, along with knowing how to purchase clean products is a gift. A gift that empowers the consumer (that’s you and me).  A gift that I feel strongly about sharing here on Live Simply.

If you’d like to take the homemade route with skincare (which can be more budget-friendly), I recommend downloading my body care book. I poured all my knowledge into this resource–thanks to experimenting on my own skin, receiving feedback from reader friends, and exploring research.

If you want to go the store-bought route (which can be more of a time-saver), know that there are amazing products out there that make this 100% possible. You don’t have to use toxic skincare products. In my book, I created lists detailing my favorite products, from shampoo and toothpaste to makeup and cleansers. It’s all in there.

I’ve also been sharing a monthly series on the blog called, Switching to Natural Products. In this series, I share my favorite natural products (homemade and store-bought). So far we’ve talked about deodorant, toothpaste, dish and dishwasher soap, all-purpose cleaner spray. Along with sharing my picks, reader friends also chime in with product suggestions. I love that!

Will you step inside my bathroom and let me show you what I’m currently using on my skin? After I share, I would love to hear about your skincare routine via the comment section below this post.

Cleanser

I have three favorite store-bought cleansers right now. Each one varies in price and accessibility. It’s not uncommon to find me switching between these cleansers, because I truly enjoy each of them.

• True Botanicals Clear Hydrating Cleanser: This one is expensive, along with every True Botanicals product. But the True Botanicals line is simply amazing. I love the gentleness of this product and the consistency (a cream-like cleanser). The only thing that keeps me from using this cleanser consistently is the price.
• Luminance Skincare Delicate Facial Cleanser: This one is a soap-based cleaner. It reminds me a lot of my homemade basic face wash recipe. I love Luminance Skincare, and their products have all worked very well on my skin.
• Evanhealy Blue Lavender Cleansing Milk: I just recently purchased this product after looking for a cleanser at Whole Foods. I have tried a number of cleansers from retail stores, and just haven’t found anything I love. This product is different. It reminds me a lot of the True Botanicals Cleanser (a creamy consistency and gentle feel on the skin). This is what I’m currently using and absolutely loving!

Cleansers don’t fully remove makeup, so if I’m wearing full-coverage makeup I use a makeup remover before cleaning. I go between two makeup removers: 100% oil (usually olive oil) or these makeup remover pads.

Toner 

If you’ve been around Live Simply, you know that I’ve experimented with a number of different toner options. A toner helps to balance the pH of the skin after cleansing. I love rose water and (non-alcohol based) witch hazel. Quality rose water is expensive, so to cut back on my skincare expenses I’ve been using witch hazel (Thayer’s brand) as a toner.

Moisturizer

My favorite moisturizer is from Luminance Skincare, Hydration. This moisturizer is lightweight and hydrating. I also love the Acure line of Day Cream and Night Cream (Target or Whole Foods).

Exfoliator and Mask

My goal is to exfoliate my face twice a week. Exfoliating helps my skin glow by sloughing off dead skin cells, and also improves the overall performance of other products used on my face. My favorite store-bought exfoliator is Acure Brilliantly Brightening Facial Scrub. My other go-to product is this homemade baking soda exfoliator.

Homemade masks are my jam. (It’s still okay to say “my jam” in 2018, right?!) My goal is to mask once or twice a week. I have three favorite masks at the moment:

• Honey, Aloe, Clay Mask: This is my go-to mask. It’s all the things I want in a facial mask. And I always have the ingredients in my pantry and bathroom closet.
• Spirulina Mask:  I usually combine spirulina powder (found in the herb section at health food stores, or purchased online–also great in smoothies) with honey and aloe. I love the brightening power of this mask.
• Yogurt and Honey: Clearly I have a thing for honey in face masks, and for good reason. Honey can help hydrate the skin, and it offers antibacterial properties. Plain yogurt is a probiotic-rich food, and probiotics are a tremendous way to boost any skincare routine. Plus, yogurt is rich in lactic acid (alpha hydroxy acids), which is a powerful ingredient used to combat acne and signs of aging.

Sunscreen 

I live in Florida, the sun capital of the world. For this reason, I use a sunscreen every single day. I haven’t always used sunscreen on my face, which is very evident by the darker spots speckled across my forehead. Live and learn to do better.

My favorite sunscreen (for the face) is from Luminance Skincare.

Extra Products

Since turning 30 a few years ago (and taking the pledge to take care of myself), I’ve been taking my skincare routine very seriously. I’ve also been working on adding or taking away products based on my skin’s current needs. I just recently ordered two new products to complement my skincare routine. Here are two new products I’ve added to my skincare routine.

• Mahina Evening Replenishing Elixir from Leahlani Skincare:  I’ve been using this serum for over a month and love it. I plan to continue using this serum at night, after toner and before my moisturizer.
• Jade Roller: I started using a jade roller at night after applying the Mahina Elixir (mentioned above). After a month of using this tool, I’m in love. It’s helped to improve the overall condition of my skin and bring down inflammation or puffiness, including a giant pimple that appeared a few weeks ago on my cheek. I’ve read that a jade roller also helps to improve the performance of serums. I purchased my roller from a local store. There are a lot of options on Amazon, just check the reviews before purchasing.

• Morning: Upon waking, splash face with water. Apply moisturizer and sunscreen oil. Apply makeup, if wearing.  You can peek inside my makeup bag over here.
• Evening: Before bed, remove makeup (if wearing), wash face with cleanser, apply toner with pad, apply elixir/serum, use jade roller, and apply a moisturizer.
• Extras: Twice a week I apply a mask or exfoliate after cleansing my face in the evening and then follow-up with the remaining steps in my skincare routine.

The post My All-Natural Skincare Products and Routine (Updated) appeared first on Live Simply.

It was at that moment that I had a clear vision for the resource I wanted to create; a resource that simplified natural body care. A resource that was not only about making products, but also how to make the switch to less-toxic body care products, and how to purchase quality products. I wanted to create a resource that helped my reader friends feel confident when purchasing natural body care products (and reading ingredient lists), or making products at home with good-for-you ingredients. I wanted to create the resource I wish I had when I first started this journey.

After months and months of endlessly working on this vision, and spending weeks going through the editing process, my body care guide/digital book was finally ready to share. The digital book launched at the end of December.

One of my favorite recipes in the book is the Basic Foaming Face Wash. It’s the perfect example of the kind of recipes found in the book–simple, practical, and easy to make. (By the way, along with sharing my favorite recipes, I also share product suggestions for everything from shampoo to makeup and everything in between. Because living a more natural lifestyle isn’t about “doing it all” or “making it all.” Natural living is just as much about simplifying as it is about using more natural products.)

This recipe is made by simply combining three ingredients: liquid castile soap, a nourishing oil, and water. The recipe makes only a small amount of the final product because it’s best to make small batches when working with a water-based product that doesn’t contain a preservative.

Castile soap is a concentrated vegetable-based soap made from ingredients that you can actually pronounce. The soap is gentle on the skin and effective in the fight against dirt and unwanted germs. Dr. Bronner’s is a very a popular brand of castile soap, and there are quite a few other brands now available. Castile soap can be used to clean just about anything and everything: your face, your laundry, and even your stinky dog. Liquid castile soap can be drying on its own, so it’s best to dilute it with water. I also like to add a nourishing oil, for the the moisturizing benefits, when it’s used on the face.

I personally like to use sweet almond oil, since it’s a light oil and it works well with a variety of skin types. If sweet almond oil is used, the face wash may be used as a spritz (using a spray bottle). This is my favorite way to apply a soapy face wash (a method that I learned from using Luminance Skincare’s Delicate Cleanser).

Another nourishing oil may be used in place of the sweet almond oil, too. Other good options are: olive oil or jojoba oil. Since the recipe makes such a small batch, it’s easy to tweak the recipe each time you make it (for example: using a different oil).

Finally, one last note. If you find this face wash to be too drying for your skin, then you’ll want to dilute, dilute, dilute. Try diluting the soap with more water, or adding just a small amount of extra oil. You can also customize this very basic recipe with aloe, honey, or a hydrosol (in place of the water). Let’s talk about four simple ways to customize this basic recipe.

Hydrosol: A hydrosol adds beneficial herbal properties and a pleasant scent to this face wash. Replace the water with 2 tablespoons of hydrosol. My favorite option is rose hydrosol (rose water). Other options, include: lavender, calendula, and chamomile.

Aloe Vera Gel: Aloe is used to soothe and calm inflammation. Add 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel to the face wash, or more if desired. Fresh aloe will spoil within a day or two, so I recommend looking for a store-bought option with a minimal amount of (natural) preservatives.

Honey: Honey is rich in antioxidants and it contains antibacterial properties. Add 1-2 tablespoons of honey to the final soap, and gently shake to combine the ingredients. If you add honey you won’t be able to use the face wash in a spray bottle.

Essential Oils: Add 6-12 drops of your favorite skin-friendly essential oil (or a mixture of essential oils, for a total of 6 drops) to the nourishing oil. Combine the oil and soap (along with any other custom ingredients mentioned above). My favorite options: lavender (sensitive skin and acne-prone skin), tea tree (acne-prone skin), frankincense (aging skin), geranium (aging skin), or sandalwood (aging skin).

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Basic Natural Face Wash

This simple recipe is made with castile soap (a natural, concentrated vegetable-based soap). Nourishing oil is added to help moisturize the skin. Castile soap, on its own, can leave the skin feeling dry. Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, try customizing the face wash for additional skin benefits.

Course DIY

Cuisine Body

Keyword Natural Face Wash

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 3 ounces

Author Kristin Marr

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup liquid castile soap
• 2 TB distilled water
• 1 TB nourishing oil such as: sweet almond, olive, or jojoba

Special Equipment:

• soap dispenser

Instructions

• Pour the soap, water, and oil into a soap dispenser. Seal the bottle. Shake the bottle to combine the ingredients.

To Use:

• Gently shake the bottle before each use. Squirt a small amount in your hand. Massage the cleanser on your face using circular motions, then rinse the cleanser off with warm water and a washcloth.

Notes

This face wash may also be used as a spray. Combine the ingredients in a small spray bottle, shake the bottle before use, and spray on the hands before applying to the face. 

Recommended Storage: Up to 1 month 

Want more non-toxic and natural face cleanser/ face wash options? This post is dedicated to exactly that. I share my favorite store-bought and homemade face cleanser / face wash options, what to look for in a face wash, and more. 

The post Basic Natural Face Wash + Four Ways to Customize Homemade Face Wash appeared first on Live Simply.

How to Naturally Wash Your Face

1. Castile Soap Face Wash

This soapy face wash provides the suds that many folks desire in a face or body wash thanks to castile soap. The castile soap is paired with honey, a nourishing oil, and a bit of distilled water. The end result is a soapy cleanser that’s gentle on the skin and tough on dirt.

Practical Use

If you’re looking for a cleanser that’s similar to a soap-based, store-bought product, this is a good option. For some folks, castile soap may be too drying.

2. Honey and Aloe Cleanser 

This cleanser is very different than the face wash recipe since it doesn’t rely on any soap. No soap means no suds. This cleanser is great for my sensitive skin because it’s incredibly gentle, but still washes away unwanted dirt and oils.

This cleanser is made with only three ingredients: honey, aloe vera, and a nourishing oil. Honey, the active ingredient in this face wash, is naturally rich in antibacterial and probiotic properties. Honey is also gentle on sensitive skin, but tough enough to remove dirt and other impurities.

Practical Use

This is my top recommendation for a homemade face wash. I absolutely love this stuff. But I know that everyone is different, and some folks don’t like the idea of a sticky cleanser. If the sticky consistency and lack of suds doesn’t bother you, then I highly recommend this recipe.

3. Cleansing Grains

Cleansing grains are a very new-to-me product. The grains are made from blended oats, herbs, and clay. The final product is a 3-in-1 style cleanser that may be used as a daily face wash, mask, or scrub.

Cleansing grains are also great to use for manual exfoliation. After using the grains, your skin should feel clean and smooth.

Practical Use

The beauty of this face wash is that it doesn’t contain any water or ingredients that could reduce the shelf-life of the product. This means that you can make a batch of cleansing grains, and store them in your medicine cabinet for a long time. Yes, there’s a bit more work involved each night, since you’ll need to keep a small bowl and mixing spoon in your bathroom to mix the grains with a liquid.

If you’re looking for a gentle cleanser that also provides exfoliation, without being sticky (hello, honey), this is a good option. I also think this face wash would be perfect for someone who travels, since the grains may be stored in a baggie.

Store-Bought Options for Face Cleansers / Face Wash

Want more non-toxic and natural face cleanser/ face wash options? This post is dedicated to exactly that. I share my favorite store-bought and homemade face cleanser / face wash options, what to look for in a face wash, and more.

There are so many wonderful ways to naturally wash and care for your face. Do you have a favorite face wash? I would love to hear about it.

The post How to Make Homemade Face Wash (5 Ways!) appeared first on Live Simply.

Today, I’m excited to chat about one more natural and simple bodycare product: cleansing grains.

A while back, one of my favorite green beauty Instagrammers, Gurl Gone Green, shared a picture on Instagram of cleansing grains. The idea of a cleansing grain intrigued me, which then led me on an exciting journey of learning about another option for natural skin cleansing.

What are face cleansing grains?

Cleansing grains are a powdered face cleanser/wash and gentle exfoliator. The grains are typically made from a few simple ingredients, such as: herbs, oats, nuts, and clay. The ingredients of choice are blended together to create a grainy powder. This powder may be combined with milk, water, aloe, or even a liquid face wash to cleanse and gently exfoliate the skin.

Sounds a lot like a facial scrub, right?!

Well, the beauty of this scrub-like product is that it’s gentle enough to use daily, and it may even be used as a daily facial cleanser/wash after removing makeup.

As a young woman, I was taught, via commercials and beauty magazines, that I needed a soapy face wash to properly clean my face. Over the past few years, as I look for “more natural” cleaning and bodycare options, I’ve learned that a soapy face wash isn’t the only option for facial cleansing.

Yes, you can make a simple face wash with gentle and natural ingredients, but there are also other options which aren’t talked about very much in the modern-age of industrial beauty products, like: honey and aloe vera, and cleansing grains.

PS: While cleansing grains may not be talked about as much as a bottle of face wash, there are a number of expensive beauty brands that sell cleansing grains (try $44 for a .99oz bottle–yikes!). See, cleansing grains are 100% real ;).

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Homemade Lavender Cleansing Grains: Facial Cleanser, Mask, or Scrub

Cleansing grains are made with two main ingredients: clay and oats. The grains are used to both cleanse and exfoliate the face. To cleanse the face, a portion of the grains are mixed with a liquid to form a paste. If you’d like to customize the grains, add a drop of essential oil the paste before cleansing. Storage: Up to 6 months Makes: 4 ounces 

Course How To

Cuisine Beauty

Keyword Lavender Cleansing Grains

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 10 minutes minutes

Servings 12 -16 applications

Author Kristin Marr

Ingredients

Lavender Cleansing Grains:

• 1/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats Don’t use steel cut oats.
• 1 TB dried lavender
• 1 TB kaolin clay

To make a mask, cleanser, or scrub:

• 1-2 tsp full-fat unsweetened coconut milk or another gentle liquid (see “Ingredient Notes”)
• 1 drop lavender essential oil or geranium, frankincense, or tea tree essential oil, optional

Instructions

• Combine the oats, lavender, and clay in a spice/coffee grinder and blend for 45 seconds, in 15 second intervals. When you’re done, leave the lid on your spice/coffee grinder for a minute to allow the dust to settle. Empty the grains into a clean jar for long-term storage.

To use the grains as a face mask:

• Combine 1-2 teaspoons of the grains with 1-2 teaspoons of canned coconut milk, and (optional) essential oil. Apply the mask to the face, and leave it on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water.

To use the grains as a daily cleanser or a scrub:

• Combine 1 teaspoon of the grains with 1 teaspoon of canned coconut milk. Add (optional) the essential oil. Massage the face with upward, circular motions, then rinse the grains off with warm water and a washcloth. Follow-up with a toner and/or moisturizer. 

Notes

Kaolin clay is a very common clay used in cleansing grains. It’s considered a versatile cosmetic clay that is suitable for all skin types. If you don’t want to use Kaolin clay, you may also try: bentonite clay (very detoxifying–so it may be too much as a daily cleanser), French green clay, or rhassoul clay.

I keep a small mason jar of coconut milk in my fridge for culinary use–using it within a couple of weeks, although the can says about a week. I’ve been using a small amount of the coconut milk to mix with the grains. If you don’t have any coconut milk available, try water, aloe vera gel or juice, or even mix it with a gentle cleaner (like my honey and aloe cleanser). The goal is to create a soft paste that’s easy to spread on the skin.

You can definitely double or triple the amounts called for to make the cleansing grains. The grains are a shelf-stable product.

More Natural Face Cleansers

SEE ALL CLEANSERS

DIY Homemade Honey Face Wash

Best Non-Toxic Face Cleansers and Face Wash

How to Wash Your Face with Honey

Basic Natural Face Wash + Four Ways to Customize Homemade Face Wash

Homemade Honey and Aloe Facial Cleanser

DIY Homemade Reusable Facial Cleansing Wipes

The post Homemade Lavender Cleansing Grains: Facial Cleanser, Mask, or Scrub appeared first on Live Simply.

The beauty of making homemade products is found in the simplicity of the ingredients!

The simplest food ingredients usually create the most delicious meals. The same concept proves true when it comes to making homemade products. That’s why I often use the words five ingredients or easy to describe recipes posted on Live Simply. It’s not a Pinterest tactic; rather, a way to showcase how something that seems so complicated (like cooking a homemade dinner or making hand soap) is incredibly easy to take responsibility for at home.

Today’s DIY beauty product is super easy to make. So easy you’ll only need three ingredients, and zero fancy tools!

Before I share the recipe, let’s take a look at the simple ingredient list:

Aloe Vera Gel: Aloe vera is a common ingredient used to treat sunburns due to its soothing and antioxidant properties. Since we know aloe is great for the skin, why not add it to a daily face cleanser? If you’re interested in some of the benefits of aloe vera, this article from Mind Body Green is very insightful.

Raw Honey: Raw honey is simply honey that hasn’t been pasteurized. Due to the lack of pasteurization (heating), raw honey is naturally rich in antibacterial and probiotic properties. Honey is also gentle on sensitive skin, but tough enough to remove dirt and other impurities. If you can’t find raw honey in your area (although many stores/markets now sell raw honey, so take a look before dismissing this ingredient), pasteurized honey may be used.

Nourishing Oil: Finally, what would a good face cleanser be without a nourishing oil? Since oil dissolves oil, it’s only natural to add a nourishing oil to a homemade facial cleanser.

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Homemade Honey and Aloe Facial Cleanser

If you have sensitive skin, or just don’t like the way soap feels on your skin, this cleanser is for you. Honey and aloe are gentle and soothing, but also tough on dirt and bacteria.

Course DIY

Cuisine Body

Keyword Facial Cleanser

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 4 oz

Author Kristin Marr

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup aloe vera gel
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 TB extra virgin olive oil or jojoba, or sweet almond oil (optional)

Special Equipment:

• mason jar or storage container of choice

Instructions

• Combine all the ingredients. That's it! 
• This cleanser can be stored in a sealed jar (I use a Mason jar) or a soap dispenser. Either method works, it's completely up to you. If you're using a jar, I recommend using a spoon to scoop the cleanser into your hand to avoid introducing bacteria to the cleanser. Store the cleanser at room temperature for a couple of months. If you're using fresh aloe, store the cleanser in the fridge since the aloe may spoil quickly. I use a nourishing oil in this recipe, but you can still make a great cleanser without it (hence the optional clause). 

To Use:

• Shake the cleanser. Apply a small amount of cleanser to our hand, then massage the cleanser on your face. Allow the cleanser to sit for about a minute total, just to absorb the wonderful qualities of the ingredients. Using a damp wipe, gently remove the cleanser, rinsing the wipe as needed.

Video

Notes

Follow this cleanser with a toner and  moisturizer. I use a cleanser in the evening, and simply rinse my face with water in the morning.

More DIYs You May Like:

DIY Honey Face Wash

Homemade Facial Astringent

Easy Homemade Mouthwash

The post Homemade Honey and Aloe Facial Cleanser appeared first on Live Simply.