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Preserving My Sanity

Shopping Guide: Health & Beauty

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Using safe health and beauty products on our skin and in our homes is really important to me, and I’m sharing some of my favorites with you here on this page. As we think about using safer products in our bathroom and our home in general, there are a few things I want to point out:

    1. A product made with some natural ingredients isn’t necessary chemical-free.
    2. Natural does not mean non-toxic.
    3. Natural ingredients can still cause allergic reactions in some people.
    4. Essential oils aren’t safe if they aren’t formulated and used properly.

 

I also want to note that the ingredients listed below may not be perfect. As with everything in the journey to a more natural and sustainable life, I am always learning new things. As I learn more about certain ingredients and products, I may adjust what I am using and sharing with you. All any of us can do is the best we can with the information we have. That being said, if I have anything listed that you have confirmed is NOT a natural or healthy option, please do let me know!

Natural Beauty Products

Ecco Bella FlowerColor Natural Liquid Foundation

I’ve been using this foundation for a few years now and I really like it. I have super sensitive skin, and this gives good coverage and my skin has never had an issue.

Ecco Bella Mascara

I’ve also been using this mascara for a few years. For those that like dramatic looks, it probably isn’t for you – but I apply a more natural palette and buy the mascara in brown. It works well for my sensitive self!

Pacifica Mineral Eyeshadow Kit

This is a relatively new purchase for me because I had been buying Ecco Bella eyeshadow but their reusable compact gets really dirty and can’t be washed because it’s made out of some sort of cardboard. So, it didn’t make sense to me to keep buying the compact that is supposed to be reusable – though I did like their eyeshadow. I also like the Pacifica eyeshadow!

Ecco Bella Lavender Eau De Parfum Spray

I love this perfume! I don’t feel like the bottle lasts me very long for the cost, but it’s a nice treat to buy for myself sometimes.

Burt’s Bees Natural Tinted Lip Balm

I love this tinted lip balm. I’m not very exciting – when it’s gone I just go reorder the exact same kind and color.

Skylar Perfume

I love this perfume! They have a sample kit you can buy for $19.99 so you can try all 6 scents before committing to a big bottle. With that purchase, you get a $20 coupon towards your first full-size purchase. So basically, you get the sampler for free. Using my link gives you 25% off the sampler pack – so it will only cost you $15 AND you still get a $20 coupon (full disclosure, if you use the link I also get a $20 coupon.) It smells great and lasts well, and I love using it without the worry of what the heck I’m breathing in and putting on my skin. If you are curious, the full-size scents I ended up choosing (because I couldn’t pick just one) are Arrow and Isle.

Skincare Products

Flatlay photo of some natural products including some small bowls of salts, a brush, a sponge, and some fresh rosemary

Desert Essence Thoroughly Clean Face Wash

I have extremely sensitive skin, and have been using Desert Essence cleanser for nearly 3 years. I love them so much!

The Peaceful Bee Face & Body Moisturizer

Fabulous small business with a great story, and even better products. My face LOVES this moisturizer.

Folk Potions

these products are beautifully handcrafted in Texas. From the Magic Face Oil to the Calendula Body Oil and everything in between I've loved everything I've ever bought from them.

Personal Care Products

Bright photo of a hibiscus flower blooming on a sunny day

Organic & Biodegradable Cotton Balls

I’ll take the cotton I use on my face NOT soaked in chlorine, please! These are also biodegradable, which is a great choice for the environment.

Organic and Biodegradable Cotton Swabs

I encourage you to buy these, as they are biodegradable and much more environmentally friendly – especially for our friends in the ocean.

Natracare Organic Cotton Tampons

saving the environment by skipping the plastic applicators, and using organic cotton because I don’t want bleach … there.

Hello Oral Care Fluoride Free Toothpaste

we really like this toothpaste I actually tend to alternate between the two kinds when purchasing.

Natural Health Products

Thayers Rose Petal Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera

I love witch hazel, but regular use dries out my sensitive skin. This blend that features rose water and aloe vera works great for me.

Organic Dried Lavender Flowers

these are great for a variety of homemade beauty products and can also be used to make sachets / natural potpourri.

Frontier Whole Organic Elderberries

you can make your own elderberry syrup from dried elderberries like this.

Plant Therapy Essential Oils

Plant Therapy is a trusted source for purchasing your essential oils. They also have a great informational blog.

Eden’s Garden Essential Oils Starter Kit

Eden’s Garden is one of my favorite essential oil companies. They also have an educational blog.

Essential Oil Diffuser

these are a great way to safely incorporate the benefits of essential oils into your life. If you have dogs or cats, please educate yourself on which oils shouldn’t be used around them. Some essential oils can be toxic to pets. Check out the Animal Aromatherapy group on Facebook for more information.

Vicks Warm Mist Humidifer

with our dry winter air in Minnesota, having a humidifier or two running on a regular basis is essential.

Back Massager Cushion with Heat

this is a great alternative to the expensive massage chairs you can buy. Plug it in and use it on any chair you already own!

Oh Ball for Plantar Fasciitis

I wore flip flops for too many years of my life when I lived at the beach, and developed plantar fasciitis. In addition to trading my flops in for Crocs, I used this on my feet and it is amazing.

George’s Aloe Vera Juice

this is a distilled aloe vera juice, so it doesn’t have to be refrigerated like many of the aloe vera products on the market.

Amazing Grass Green Superfood Antioxidant

this is a relatively easy way to get some extra vitamins and minerals into your diet. It is VERY green in the glass, but it doesn’t taste terrible. Ha!

Self-Care & Wellness Products

Photo of a woman standing on a beach at sunrise with her arms stretched behind her as she enjoys the beauty around her

Verilux HappyLight Therapy Lamp

again, with the Minnesota winter that brings more cloudy and dreary days than sunshine, this is an immense help to get access to some needed Vitamin D. I wrote a blog post about beating the winter blues here, check it out!

Natural Pet Products

Photo of two young girls in a lavender field who are smiling and petting a happy dog

Mister Ben’s Dog Ear Cleaner

a natural alternative to the stuff the vet tries to sell you.

SleekEZ Deshedding Grooming Tool

perfect for those with long-haired dogs! I used to have a golden retriever, so we are familiar with all of the dog hair around here.

Safari Dog De-Matting Comb

this is a great one for the dogs that go hunting. My dogs come home from the woods with burrs and messes all over, and a tool like this is essential.

Diatomaceous Earth

a great option for a natural flea preventive!

My Blog Posts about Gardening & Outdoors

Read my Clean & Green Living blog posts

More Natural Health and Beauty Resources

As you browse the pages of my Shopping Guide, if you have any questions about the products or why I love them, don’t hesitate to ask!

Visit my handcrafted goat’s milk soap shop

Photo of Darcy, soapmaker and Preserving My Sanity owner, holding some bars of her handmade goat's milk soap and wearing a soap apron