Eco-friendly and Natural Beauty Products that WORK!

By Vanessa Wright

Thirteen years ago, I read a book by Kat James called The Truth About Beauty and it opened my eyes to what I was putting on my face and body. My husband and I were ready to start a family and I wanted to be healthy inside and out. But, I also LOVED makeup and bath and beauty products. I did not want to give up lip gloss and under eye concealer.

After years of research and trial and error, I finally have a handful of products and companies that I count on to keep me looking my best while being good to my body and the environment. Remember: Your skin is your largest organ. What goes on your body, goes into it. So, let’s talk products!

Six Natural Beauty Products that Work

1. Shea Terra Organics 2-n- 1 Body Scrub

This is not an ordinary body scrub. It is a luxurious combination of organic argan and olive oils and Fair-trade sugar that melt together to exfoliate and moisturize your skin. I have tried several of the scents and they are all amazing. I really love to exfoliate my hands and feet with this scrub. Find it here.

2. Shea Terra Organics Night Nourishment Nutrient Serum

Do you want to take your beauty sleep to the next level? This silky serum will work its magic over night! I was skeptical, but after using for a few weeks, I kept getting compliments on my skin from friends. It is not heavy or sticky. It has an earthy aroma and a little goes a long way. My first bottle lasted almost 4 months. Find it here.

Quick Tip: Sign up for Shea Terra’s monthly newsletters. The owner frequently sends out 30% off coupons. I stock up 2 to 3 times a year. I have been using Shea Terra Organics products for over 10 years. The company was local to me when I lived in Northern Virginia. Tammie, the owner, and her company are supporting small businesses all over Africa while helping to preserve their wildlife habitats.

3. 100% Pure Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream

I discovered this eye cream when I was 9 months pregnant with my first child. My under-eye area is naturally dark due to my Mediterranean background (lucky me). I knew I would need some extra help with a newborn and sleepless nights. I was pleasantly surprised when I noticed how the area around my eyes looked brighter and smoother after using the product for a few months. I have used their eye cream for 12 years. It glides on and smells incredible. It’s a must have in my beauty arsenal. Find it here.

4. Araza Beauty Green Tea Concealer AND 7 in 1 Coconut Cream Foundation

These next two products go hand-in-hand. I just started using them a few months ago after reading about the company online for 2 years. You can purchase generous sample sizes and their color selection is fantastic. I’ll start with concealer. Next to under eye cream, this mama needs her concealer. Finding a natural one has been a challenge. They were either too thick or not enough coverage. Araza’s Green Tea Concealer is everything I was looking for and more. It can be used to spot treat areas on your face AND brightens up under your eyes. It does not cake or smear. I wore it every day when we went our trip to Disney World in May—it was 90 degrees Fahrenheit plus humidity. The concealer lasted. Find it here.

I also tried the 7 in 1 Coconut Cream Foundation. It is as yummy as its name implies. It has a mousse-like texture that provides a natural 28 SPF, moisture and evens skin tone. I am extremely picky about foundation in any form. I suffered from acne through my teens and early 20s and I have sensitive skin. I was worried the 7 in 1 foundation would be too heavy. It isn’t. You can control the amount you put on and build coverage. Again, a little goes a long way. Get your glow on AND feed your skin. It’s a win-win! Find it here.

5. Araza Beauty Long-Wearing Raspberry and Citrus Infused Eye Color (15 shades)

When I switched over to non-toxic makeup, eye shadows were mostly loose minerals. I loved the colors but hated the mess. Or, the pressed shadows that I found were filled with ingredients I was trying to avoid. Enter: Araza’s Long-Wearing Raspberry and Citrus Infused Eye Color. It’s a mouthful, but I am officially a convert. The colors are rich and varied. They are sold as single colors—both full size and samples. The samples are sold as loose minerals for packaging ease. My favorite color so far is Rose Gold. The shadows are silky and stay put. I am secretly hoping they will make an eye shadow pallet. A girl can dream! Find it here.

6. Burt’s Bees Gloss Lip Crayon

Oh, lip products. I can’t quit you. Next to concealer, I love lip color. It brightens up your face and pulls your look together with a few quick swipes. That said, you lick your lips, drink, and eat—there’s a good chance you are swallowing some of the lip product you are wearing. I have been wearing Burt’s Bees lip balms for over a decade. I was intrigued when they launched an extensive lip color collection because I can find them at Target or Whole Foods and generally on sale. The Gloss Lip Crayon comes in a variety of shades. I love how it goes on smooth. You can line and fill in your lips all at the same time. I mix and match colors to create my own look. Find it here.

If you would like to check the safety of your skin care and beauty products, I recommend this FREE site: EWG Skin Deep Cosmetic Database.

I always sign up for a company’s newsletter because they let you know about sales or special deals. If you like a product, stock up when it’s on sale. Follow your favorite companies on Facebook or Instagram for additional tips and sneak peaks into new products. Don’t be afraid to contact these smaller companies to ask questions, discuss color matching or ask about exchanges. Do your homework. Talk to your friends. Ask questions. Order samples. The world of eco-friendly beauty and skincare has come a long way in the decade. You might be surprised!

About Vanessa

Vanessa is a homeschool mama to three inquisitive, creative and often loud kids ages 12, 10, and 10. She is married to Jason and they recently moved to the Raleigh, NC area from Virginia. Vanessa is a self professed eco-beauty junkie, avid reader, tea drinker and chocolate snob. You can find her on Instagram at @Wrightathomeschool where she’s keeping the REAL in homeschool reality.

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