Yesterday, I shared 5 items that solve as multi-purpose items around the house and in personal use for our family. Today I am going to share some of the personal care items I have found that have worked well for me.These series of posts are in no way complete guide on how to do green living. The products I use have just been on the front burner for awhile and are an area of concentration for me.
Let me first of all say that my approach to “going green” this time around is a bit different. Instead of find a product to replace every product I had used prior, my first step along the way was cutting back on what I do use and/or the frequency of that use. For example, I no longer wash my face twice a day (this was actually a tip from the woman who does my facials and not actually an attempt on my part, so that worked out well!) So only washing once a day cuts my product use in half. I also no longer use multiple hair products and only use body lotion on occasion (I used to SLATHER on lotion, but cutting back has allowed my skin to adjust and produce the proper amount of oil that my skin needs). So here are the products I use most days (I do have additional make-up, but I don’t wear it on a daily basis).
1. Beauty without Cruelty Moisture Plus Shampoo and Conditioner- I have had a really hard time finding what works with my hair in regards to natural hair care. I tried going the baking soda and vinegar route and supposedly it returns your hair back to its natural state, which led me to believe that I simply don’t like my hair’s natural state! I tried shampoo bars for awhile too (I used bars from Chagrin Valley. I do like a number of their products, but am not using any currently because you have to order separately from them and I haven’t done so in a bit), but I still wasn’t totally pleased with how my hair was looking. So I went searching through the EWG’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Database to find a brand of shampoo and conditioner to try. Many are pretty expensive, but I saw the Beauty Without Cruelty line had mostly 2-4 ratings on the hair care and decided to check it out. They carry it at Wegman’s where I do my grocery shopping, which was an added plus because I prefer not to have to special order my products. Before I got my hair colored, I used the Daily Benefits shampoo and conditioner and really liked them. But after I got my hair colored wanted something for color treated hair and switched to the moisture plus. Since my hair tends to be on the dry side, this was great for me. I had tried Burt’s Bees and Yes to Carrots shampoo and conditioner before and this is by far my favorite, so I will be sticking with these for awhile.
2. Dr. Bronner’s Bar Soap- I used to use a bath puff and shower gel, but Joe always used soap. Since I now dry brush before showering, I am pretty exfoliated already and just need soap. So I switched both Joe and me to Dr. Bronner’s bar soaps. You can find these at Target, Wegman’s and other stores or order them online. They have a nice clean scent and are the best value (ie. price per ounce) for natural soaps I have found.
3. Schick Intuition Sensitive Skin- I have used this razor for years and at times have tried to switch to other razors and shaving cream and just can’t do it. This is the only one for me, so I hope they never discontinue it.
4. Thai Crystal- I know this is going to gross many of you out, but I barely use deodorant anymore. I cut out antiperspirants/deodorants with aluminum out a number of years ago when I was having some weird reactions while nursing. I then switched to more natural deodorants and then finally to this crystal that has lasted 2 years and would probably go for another 10 years! Anymore though, I often don’t use anything. I notice my body has adjusted to this, although I do still sweat, but that is a healthy thing. Of course, body odor still happens at times, so any easy solution is to swipe a slice of lemon on, which kills any odor. Plus lemons are great to have around the house, as I put it in my water first thing in the morning (not the same slice I swipe under arm, don’t worry) for an easy detox. Ok, moving on now, as some of you are probably totally grossed out.
5. Aveeno Moisturizing Lotion- When I do use lotion, I use this Aveeno lotion is simple and cheap. It is fragrance free and what I use on the kids as well.
6. Pureology Anti Split Blowdry- This product is probably my most chemical-filled of the group. It isn’t listed on EWG’s site, so I am not sure of the exact hazard score. I use it since coloring my hair in order to prolong my hair color since I often blow dry my hair. This way I can go 8-10 weeks between colorings, which I only do in the summer though. It is the only hair product I use and when I let my hair air dry, I pass on this product.
7. 100% Pure Primer- This primer is supposed to reflect light to give your skin a smoother appearance. I am not sure if it does that, but I like to believe it does 
8. 100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 20- A little of this goes a long way, so I use a dab for SPF protection and to even out my skin tone.
9. Tom’s of Maine Toothpaste- I have used Tom’s toothpastes for about 8 years for the kids and myself (Joe is a devout Colgate Total user and will not switch over). Since taking this picture though (a couple of weeks ago), I finished my tube of Tom’s and am usingDessert Essence Tea Tree Oil and Neem Toothpaste. After this tube is done, I want to take Maria’s suggestion and try tooth soap shreds.
10. Yes to Blueberries Smoothing Daily Cleanser- I usually use baking soda to wash my face, but once a week or so, I like to use something more moisturizing. So I tried this cleanser, but am not totally sold. It is ok, but not exactly what I am looking for, so I will keep searching.
11. 100% Pure Super Fruits Night Balm- This is the moisturizer I use at night. It smells great, a little goes a long way and I do think it has reduced some wrinkles under my eyes.
12. Yes to Carrots Lip Butter in Berry- This is a nice smooth lip balm that is easy on the wallet. I woudl like to try the pomegranate one with SPF to see if it can replace my Burt’s Bees one. I have forbid myself from buying another lip balm though until all my others are used up!
13. Desert Essence Organic Tea Tree Oil- I already mentioned yesterday that tea tree oil is one of my favorite products and this is my preferred brand. I also use the Lavender Tea Tree Oil, as I like the smell and the cap is more convenient as it just lets out a drop at a time. I save the smaller bottles when they are finished to add the regular tea tree oil into.
So those are my basic products. Some of them will change because I am always on the lookout for good, green products. If you have any suggestions, please share in the comments. Thursday I will share what I use for the kids (tomorrow is “What I Like Wednesday“.
Grateful for your post cos it serves as a guide and see if the product has been really working well. It’s been exactly the same thing which I wanted to see in a post. I appreciate much the time that you take for posting your idea and sharing your thoughts.
Akhira recently posted..tea tree oil for acne