Au Naturale: Deodorant

I have been trying to go more natural with my cosmetic and grooming products.  Facial products and shower products have been quite easy, thanks to Queen Bee and Whole Foods.  But deodorant? That was one that just kept failing for me.

As I looked for a natural deodorant, my requirements were 1) keeping me clean and fresh all day, 2) all natural and healthful ingredients made in a way that is friendly to the environment, and 3) continued protection, even during runs and hot yoga.  Turns out this was a tall order.

Source: Healthy Tipping Point

First I tried Tom's natural deodorant.  I love the Tom's brand toothpaste, but the deodorant just did not work for me.  I even did a midday run to the drugstore for some new deodorant because I was so self-conscious!  I know it works for some people, but Tom's just did not mesh with my body.

Source:  Crystal Deodorant Website

I had heard some good things about a crystal-based deodorant from a few sources that I trust.  So I decided to give it a try.  I found it at Whole Foods, but it is sold in most drug stores as well as online.  It was weird at first, since you need to wet the bar before applying, and also because it was a bit rough in texture.  Nothing uncomfortable, but not the smooth creamy stick I was used to.  Luckily, I loved it! It worked great for the whole day, even the first time I tried it (apparently some people need a "transition period" before it really works to its full potential).

I have been using crystal-based deodorant for a few months now, and am still happy with the results.  Though it sounds a bit unconventional and possibly weird, I am so glad I gave it a try! I feel so much more confident in applying a pure product rather than one that is laden with chemicals.  If you are looking for a natural deodorant, I highly recommend it!

Do you use a natural deodorant? What works for you?

Moisturizing Tip

I read a little skincare trick the other day...

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Glamour suggests a new take to applying moisturizer: Instead of rubbing it into your skin, pump into palms and gently press your moisturizer into your skin to avoid pulling and tugging - over time, rubbing can cause damage and wrinkles.

I've been trying the press method for a few days, and while my skin doesn't feel any different, I can't help but think about how hard rubbing must be on skin!

Anti-Shampoo

I don't shampoo my hair.  Some people call it the "no-poo" method.  I haven't used shampoo since June - and I have no plans to turn back!

I had a friend in college who raved about her experience going shampoo-free for a while.  I try to live a natural lifestyle, and I'm bit by bit decreasing my use of chemicals and scary ingredients in my daily life.  But when I heard about using baking soda on your scalp to wash your hair, I was intrigued for hair health reasons in addition to the artificial chemical-free approach.  Baking soda doesn't strip your hair of all its natural oils like shampoo does, leaving your scalp more naturally balanced.  I've found that my hair is softer, easier to style, has more body, and can last longer between washes.  Not to mention that it's cheaper! 

All you do is saturate baking soda in water in a bottle (appx 1 tablespoon per cup is a good place to start, but there is no science here.  I find that the more baking soda I put in the "cleaner" my hair feels).  Apply the solution directly to your scalp and work it in with your fingertips.  Then rinse as usual.  I follow up with a natural unscented conditioner on only my ends, but if you're interested in going all out, squirt apple cider vinegar as you would conditioner.  

Would you try it?

Head Notes

Bridesmaid hair options

I am doing S's hair when she is a bridesmaid in her best friend's wedding in October.  Because we are both moving so soon (!), we are thinking about potential hairstyles to try before the big weekend arrives, as it will be the next time we see each other.  Here are some ideas via Pinterest that we are thinking might be lovely with her strapless dress.  What do you think??? 

Option 1: A low-do with a twist back and a messy gathered chignon

Option 2: A sleek and effortless low-do

Option 3: Sleek waves

Option 4: Sweep-back with a broach or hair pin

What do you think?  Any additional ideas?  

Beauty of the Month Club

Hi friends!

Who doesn't love a _____ of the month club? I mean come on, getting a monthly delivery of insert item here (fruit, beer, chocolate...) is one of the best packages one can receive.

Let me introduce you to Birchbox.

Birchbox offers a beauty and lifestyle package of the month.  Each and every month you receive a box filled with trial-size beauty products from top-of-the-line classics along with emerging stars in the beauty world.

What do you think, would you love to get a box filled with beauty each month? Sounds like a fun gift for a girlfriend, bride-to-be (think shower gift!), mothers who need pampering, or yourself when you deserve a reward (which is always, right? :)

DYI Natural Facial Remedies

On our to-do list: try these natural, inexpensive recipes for face masks.
by Daphne Oz

Moisturizing Kiwi Face Mask
- 2 peeled & pureed kiwi
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- Juice of 1 orange (or lemon)
- Dash of Olive Oil
Combine ingredients and massage the scrub into your skin. Leave it on until it's dry. Then just rinse with warm water. If you puree kiwi with the skin on, the extra antioxidants and flavanoids in the skin will give the exfoliation power an extra boost.


Egg White Skin Firming Mask 
- Whisk 2 egg whites until frothy
- Add lemon juice
Apply the mask. After it dries, about 15 minutes, rinse off.


Soothing Banana Mask
- Banana
- Greek yogurt
- Honey
Mask banana and mix ingredients together. Apply to face and rinse after 15 minutes. This mask helps to reduce redness and skin irritation.