Beyond My Plate: Healthy Skin and Beauty Decisions

My whole foods living lifestyle goes far beyond food.

I also try to make healthy decisions when it comes to skin care products, makeup and hair care. I even opt for non-toxic nail polish and at-home manicures.

The past few weeks several friends have asked me to elaborate on how I choose "healthier" products and what I like to use.

Here's a quick primer on my decision making process and a few of my favorite makeup bag goodies and bathroom essentials.

How to Choose Healthier Beauty Products 

My method for choosing healthy products of any type is actually very simple. I peek at the ingredient list and try to read it aloud. If I stumble over any 16-letter words, it doesn't go in my shopping cart.

I look for products created without animal testing or animal byproducts. Sometimes it's difficult to find affordable vegan options, but I do my best within my budget. 

I also avoid the "popular" offenders that all beauty bloggers eschew because they either disrupt hormone functions, claim to be carcinogenic with prolonged use or clog our pores and interfere our body's natural cycle of sweating and breathing. (Peek at the photos above for a few ideas.)

When in doubt, choose simple one-ingredient products.

My Favorite Natural Products 

Lotion: I rarely use products labeled as a lotion anymore. Instead I turn to noncomedogenic oils (that means they don't clog pores) to naturally hydrate my skin and nails. My top favorites include pure coconut oil, pure jojoba oil, pure cocoa butter (it smells like chocolate!!) and extra virgin olive oil (yes, straight from the kitchen cupboard).

Body Wash: Look for castile soaps. They're vegetable-based and very gentle on sensitive skin. Right now I'm in love with the invigorating scent of Kirk's Original Coco Castile Body Wash Grapefruit and Ginger. It's the perfect morning wake-me-up soap!

Makeup & Nail Polish: As a beauty blogger, I'm fortunate to have the opportunity to try so many great products for review purposes. In the last year alone I've discovered brands that will stay in my beauty bag forever. Here's a few products for you to investigate:

• jane iredale cosmetics - Makeup created for sensitive skin
• Honeybee Gardens - Mineral-based makeup and nail polishes
• Scotch Naturals - Non-toxic nail polishes in fabulous colors
• Lotus Moon - Facial washes and pampering
• Perfectly Pure - a variety of beauty products
• Nature's Gate - a variety of products
• Tom's of Maine - natural deodorant and toothpaste

Hair Care: I like to try different types of shampoo and conditioner every few months. My hair gets bored and seems to perk up when I make a switch every so often. 

I look for organic hair care products because as I rinse all those chemicals are being whisked away into our public water system. If I can reduce my impact on the local water supply, I do it. Lately I've been using Desert Essence Tea Tree Oil or Organic Italian Red Grape shampoos and conditioners.

So, how do you keep your beauty routine healthy? Tell me (and my curious readers) in the comments below!

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

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Skin Care Review: Perfectly Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum

A few years ago, I vowed to make my beauty routine as healthy as my meal planning. Artificial colors, fragrances and fillers simply no longer had a place in my makeup bag. Little by little I've been replacing my skin care, hair care and makeup products with healthier options.

Photo by Angela Tague

Today I'm here to share a 100% vegetarian skin care product from Perfectly Pure. This line's new Hyaluronic Acid Serum helps facial skin retain moisture. In turn, you enjoy more supple, full skin that's soft and hydrated. Bonus!

I love the thick, creamy texture and the easy-to-use pump on the little glass bottle. I can easily apply the serum with my finger after washing and exfoliating my face. The serum isn't oily or heavy, so it absorbs fully, leaving my skin moisturized and feeling wonderful.

Perfectly Pure's Hyaluronic Acid Serum is also made without:

• Parabens
• Petroleum
• SLS
• Artificial Color
• Artificial Fragrance

Have you tried using hyaluronic acid serum? Let me know what you think of this type of skin care product in the comments below!

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

Disclosure: The Perfectly Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum mentioned in this blog post was provided free of charge from Puritan's Pride and Perfectly Pure for review purposes. No monetary compensation was sought or awarded in exchange for the review. All thoughts expressed on Whole Foods Living are solely my own. ~Angela

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Review: Perfectly Pure Rose & Witch Hazel Skin Toner

Photo Credit: SXC

When I was a young girl, I spent most summer days at my grandparent's house. I loved learning to cook with my grandma and how to fly a kite with grandpa.

But oddly enough, one of the things I remember most was taking long hot baths in their cotton candy pink bathroom. The smell of rose oil-infused skin care products filled the room, instantly making me feel relaxed.

When I opened a bottle of Perfectly Pure Rose & Witch Hazel Toner, I was transported back to those fond memories. This alcohol-free skin care product made with aloe vera, rose oil and witch hazel cleanses, moisturizes and refreshes the skin.

It's a perfect fit for my dearest Whole Foods Living Readers because this skin toner:

• is alcohol-free
• is made without parabens, petroleum or SLS
• doesn't contain any artificial colors
• isn't tested on animals
• is 100% vegetarian

For the last several weeks I've been applying the toner to my face using a cotton ball. When I use this product after swimming in a chlorinated pool the tight, itchy feeling disappears from my skin. I also use it after showering to give my skin extra hydration during these windy, pre-winter days.

Perfectly Pure Rose & Witch Hazel Toner makes my skin feel soft and hydrated. Although I have sensitive skin, this product has not caused any skin irritation. And my favorite part? The lingering rose oil scent.

Do you have a favorite scent that takes you back to your childhood? Tell me about it in the comments below!

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

Disclosure: The Perfectly Pure Rose & Witch Hazel Toner mentioned in this blog post was provided free of charge from Puritan's Pride and Perfectly Pure for review purposes. No monetary compensation was sought or awarded in exchange for the review. All thoughts expressed on Whole Foods Living are solely my own. ~Angela

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Perfectly Pure Coconut Products Make My Hair Super Shiny

It's no longer a secret; I am totally in love with products made with coconut oil. It's super hydrating, easy to use and best of all it fits into my natural lifestyle filled with whole, natural products.

Perfectly Pure products. Photo by Angela Tague

Last week I professed my addiction to coconut oil in "From Kitchen to Beauty Bag: I'm in Love with Coconut Oil", so you can imagine my delight when Puritan's Pride sent me a box of hair and skin care products made with...wait for it...coconut oil!

For the last few weeks, I've tucked my usual bath time products in the cupboard and concentrated on giving the Perfectly Pure line of coconut beauty products a good test. The results were fabulous! (So good that I'm still using them!)

Perfectly Pure Coconut Hydrating Shampoo: The fresh, robust coconut scent of this shampoo instantly calms me. It really does remind me of cooking with coconut cream or dipping my toes in the warm sand during a visit to the beach. After washing with this shampoo exclusively for a few weeks, my hair is soft, hydrated and super shiny. Since I swim in a chlorinated pool regularly, it's no easy feat to keep my hair from looking dry and brassy. Perfectly Pure Coconut Hydrating Shampoo really did perform well!

Perfectly Pure Coconut Hydrating Conditioner: Of course that great shampoo has a helpful conditioning partner. I've been using this conditioner after each washing to ensure my long hair gets enough moisture. I've even been using it when I con-poo (that's washing your hair with conditioner only) after swimming. The thick, creamy texture stays put so I can let it soak for a few minutes before rinsing.

Perfectly Pure Coconut Hydrating Body Wash: I've also been testing out the coordinating coconut body wash and lotion. The body wash has the same indulgent coconut scent as the hair care products. The body wash foams into a rich lather making it perfect for both cleaning and as a shaving foam.

Perfectly Pure Coconut Hydrating Body Lotion: After bathing, I've been nourishing my skin with the equally delightful coconut body lotion. It absorbs quickly, leaving my skin soft and protected from the dry fall air. Unlike some body lotions, Perfectly Pure Coconut Hydrating Body Lotion doesn't irritate my legs and arms, so it's a great option for people with sensitive skin.

Perfectly Pure Coconut Oil: When I have time to really moisturize my whole body, I dip into a container of pure coconut oil. Perfectly Pure's formula is creamier than several grocery store brands of coconut oil I've tried in the past. The semi-solid oil smooths on easily and melts on contact with my skin. I've been using the coconut oil as a protectant in my hair when I go swimming, to moisturize dry feet at night and to add extra shine to dry hair during styling. Just a tiny dab of coconut oil on the ends of my hair gives my tresses a healthy appearance.

All of the products mentioned above are:

• cruelty-free / not tested on animals
• vegetarian
• Free of artificial colors
• Paraben, petroleum, SLS-free

The Perfectly Pure coconut oil is also free of minerals oil and artificial fragrances.

Have you tried these products or ventured into coconut oil-based beauty products? Tell me about it below in the comments! And if you want to get your hands on these great products, visit Perfectly Pure online.

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

Disclosure: The Perfectly Pure products mentioned in this blog post were provided free of charge from Puritan's Pride for review purposes. No monetary compensation was sought or awarded in exchange for the review. All thoughts expressed on Whole Foods Living are solely my own. ~Angela

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