Christina Alyce Beauty: shea moisture

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I had originally planned to just keep this as a series on Instagram and Facebook, but I figured I might as well share it here, in its entirety, because I have a some links to detailed reviews and quite a few affiliate links!

I started my green beauty just over a year ago, and I feel like maybe I should have been through more products by now! I always have multiples of every category of products open, and I tend to jump around, so maybe that's why. I have been a lot more consistent lately, so hopefully I'll get through things at a steadier pace from now on, and can post at the end of every month or season. My skin has certainly been appreciating consistency!

🌸 Blissoma Holistic Skincare Smooth A+ Clearing Serum
This serum has aboslutely changed my skin for the better! I have already repurchased it!
[Review] [Shop]

🌸 Dahliana Skincare Beauty Berry Collagen Booster
This was my first proper "green" face cream, and I really loved it. It kept my skin plump. I recently published a video featuring this cream, which I have linked below.!
[Video][Shop]

🌸 Mahalo The Unveil Cleansing Balm

Another recent repurchase because it's so darn good! I have a full review of this on my blog too, that I need to edit a bit because I just don't think it portrays how much I love this balm.
[Review] [Shop]

🌸 Silk Naturals Translucent Cloud Finishing Powder
This was just ok, it might just not have worked well with my Vapour foundations, or the concealer I was using, but it made my makeup have a weird texture. I won't repurchase it.
[Shop]

🌸 Fig + Yarrow Cleansing Elixir
I have a review of this way back on my blog. I really enjoyed how gentle this was on my skin.
[Review][Shop]

🌸 Mullein and Sparrow Rosemary and Clary Sage Serum
This was a nice serum, but I didn't notice any drastic changes in my skin while using it. It was just a sample size so maybe I would have noticed more benefits if I had used it longer!
[Shop]

💦Mullein and Sparrow Sandalwood and Sage Face Mist
This was really nice. My skin was a mess when I started using it and I think it helped. I think I would like to repurchase it.
[Shop]

💦 Glitter and Gratitude Dee Facial Toner
This one was nice, and kept my skin under control, but I have decided that Tea Tree Oil and my skin just don't vibe. It's not a bad product by any means, it's just not perfect for my needs.
[Shop is permanently closed]

💦 Graydon Face Food Mineral Mist
I was using this during the 2 or 3 week period a couple of months ago where I actually had completely clear skin. I don't know if this played a part in that, but I really enjoyed using it and I think my skin really likes copper and Zinc. I would love to repurchase this and try other things from the brand.
[Shop]

💦 The Dirty Goat Rosemary Refreshing Hydrosol Toner
Rosemary Refreshing Hydrosol Toner - This was the first hydrosol I tried, and it was so simple and exactly what I needed at the beginning of my journey to green. I love hydrosols now!
[not currently available]

💦 Valentina's Naturals Balancing Beauty Mist
I found this little gem at TJ Maxx for like $4 and it was wonderful! My skin adores ACV and really enjoyed this toner.
[Shop]

💦 Fig + Yarrow Complexion Water
I have a full review of this little guy on my blog that you should be able to find via the link in my bio. I enjoyed this toner a lot, it was very soothing.
[Review] [Shop]

🌹 SheaMoisture Manuka Oil and Mafura Oil Body Wash
this was super moisturizing, but I honestly hated the smell. I love Shea Moisture products but everything smells sooo strong. It has turned me off of so many of their products. I would love an unscented version of this.
[Shop]

🌹 Dr. Bronner's Rose Castile Soap
I got this in a 2 pack at TJ Maxx for such a good price, I use it for everything from washing my hands, to doing dishes, to washing makeup brushes. I'm using the lavendar one now.
[Shop]

🌹 SheaMoisture 100% Pure Argan Oil
100% Pure Argan Oil - I use this in my hair before blow-drying and I love it! Argan is definitely my hair's favorite oil. I just repurchased this over the weekend after being without for a couple of months. I missed it!
[Shop]

🌹 Florapothecarie Love Body Oil
I got this in Florapothecarie's product testing program, so I don't know if the finished product is exactly the same, but I loved this! I've been using more rose products lately and I've really been enjoying them. I would (and intend to) purchase a full size of this. The oil absorbed really nicely.

🌹 Florapothecarie Orange Sugar Scrub and Florapothecarie Whipped Body Butter
I loved these so much, repurchased both in full size, and wrote a detailed review. I'm traveling in the fall and I plan to save these containers to put some of the full sized product in. Love them!
[Review] [Shop Scrub] [Shop Body Butter]

Now I can go repurpose, recycle, and have a little less junk to pack when I move!
🌟Also, I want to announce that I'm having a blog sale! This will be a permanent page, which I will use to destash any items that just aren't working out for me. You can find the page at the top of my bog, by clicking the "shop" tab! All the info about how to purchase is on that page.

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Prior to switching over to non-toxic products, I spent A LOT of time and money at Ulta, and today I received an email alerting me that in order to keep my Platinum Status for 2017, I only had to spend about $80 for the rest of the year, and for a cosmetics-obsessed weirdo like me, that should be pretty easy- if I can find products to fit my new views on cosmetic safety. This inspired me to do some research, and find the safest products Ulta has to offer. I was happy to find 15 brands that fit my criteria.
Of course, this list may not satisfy the purists out there - I referred to EWG and CosDNA, and tried not to list anything with a rating higher than 3, though some overall great brands do have a few exceptions. I encourage everyone to do their own research, and consider this a starting point. If you see anything that you think truly does not belong on this list, or that I have missed a great non-toxic brand offered at Ulta, please don't hesitate to leave a comment.

Babo Botanicals - Online Only
Beautiful Life
Coola - Avoid spray sunscreens
Daily Concepts
Earthly Body - Ulta only carries one product from this brand, I have not looked into the others that are available elsewhere.
First Aid Beauty - Use your own judgement on this one. Overall they rate well on CosDNA, but some products have an ingredient rating of 4. One product I do recommend is their original facial cleanser, because it is pH balanced and clean.
Honest Beauty
Honeybee Gardens - Some products contain Ultramarines
John Masters Organics
Juice Beauty
Juice Organics
Nubian Heritage
Pacifica
Shea Moisture
Whish - Use your judgement. The only red flags I saw were fragrance ingredients, so avoid if you have a sensitivity to linalool, citral, limonene, etc. Otherwise, pretty safe.

I hope this helps my fellow clean product junkies, see ya at Ulta!

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We're well into the summer now, and I have discovered an array of fantastic products that have earned their place in my seasonal favorites. Ranging from skincare to body to hair, I have winners in every category.

Skincare

Oille Renewing Intelligence Protect Face Serum ($88)

This plant based, clinical grade serum is the best of the best. Oille's product ingredients are GC/MS lab tested, to assure their products are effective and pure. This serum's rosehip, cranberry, and pumpkin seed base absorbs into the skin beautifully, leaving you with a soft, nourished complexion. The mix of essential oils of lavender, chamomile, blue tansy, balsam copaiba, ravintsara and sweet orange come together to protect and repair the skin from sun damage.

Love + Sage Beachrose Tinted Lip Balm ($12)

One can never have too many lip balms (especially if you're a suffer of chronically dry lips like I am) and this lip balm is the perfect summer addition to your collection. the light hydration, hint of color, and SPF have earned this little tube a permanent spot in my purse. It hydrates with the perfect balance of shea butter, coconut oil, jojoba oil, castor oil, and vitimin E.

Herbivore Botanicals After Sun Skin Soother Aloe Mist ($20)

A cool, soothing skin mist is a requirement in any beach lover's skincare arsenal, and this one from Herbivoire Botanicals does not disappoint. It balances the skin with lavender, witch hazel, and radish root ferment, while the aloe and peppermint sooth, hydrate, and reduce redness. This is a fantastic toner all year round for anyone with sensitive skin, because the peppermint offers a cooling sensation.

Bath and Body

The Dirty Goat Probiotic Deodorant in Yuzu ($9.85)

It should be no surprise to anyone who follows me on my social media that I have multiple products from The Dirty Goat on this list.Their products are not only fun to use, but very effective and do exactly what they promise to, as exemplified in this fantastic deodorant. When switching all of my beauty and bodycare to clean, nontoxic products, I was at a bit of a slump when it came to a deodorant that actually works , after trying what must have been a dozen. But, this one hits the nail right on the head. Boasting a beautiful citrussy smell from Yuzu essential oil, it makes a wonderful summertime fragrance (but if citrus isn't your thing, other scents are available!). With an ingredient list of zinc oxide, diatomaceous earth, arrowroot powder and probiotics, it does so much more than just mask body odor- it actually fights it by killing the odor causing bacteria.

The Dirty Goat Mermaid Scrub ($15)

This limited edition scrub is the epitome of a beach vacation. The scent of mandarin and jasmine on a salty breeze bring to mind my summers in Cape Cod, which is one of my favorite places. It's comforting and refreshing, and makes me wish i was laying on the beach. This scrub contains no soaps or surfectants, so it is an exfoliating and hydrating treat for your skin. Dead Sea salt, jojoba oil, almond oil, and vitamin E work together to smooth and soften the skin. Mica and turquoise food coloring make this a beautiful scrub fit for any mermaid.

The Dirty Goat Sugar Squares

Sadly, this sugary confection seems to be gone for the season as but we can only hope it makes a return next year! I don't tend to take many baths in the summer because it's just too hot, but this little melt makes the experience much more refreshing. With a perfectly replicated sweet and juicy lemonade smell, a single cube gives you a mouthwatering bath time experience. You can also use this product in the shower as a body scrub, and either way you'll be left with hydrated, buttery skin.

Badger Sunscreens ($9.99 - $19.99)

Keeping your face and body protected from the sun's damaging rays is the single most important step in your skincare routine, all year round. Even on the cloudiest day in January, we are exposed to aging and skin-cell altering rays, so it is imperative that we be extra diligent when it comes to the sunny summer months. I have been loving sunscreens from Badger this year. They offer many products, depending on what level of protection you desire and how active you are. They even offer formulations for babies and children, a lavender scented sunscreen, and a tinted facial sunscreen. Their products are made with zinc oxide, and won't harm coral reefs. I have not gotten a burn yet this year, and my pale Irish skin can thank Badger for that.

Amara Organics Pure Aloe Vera Gel ($15.95)

In a perfect world, we would all remember to apply (and reapply!) our sunscreen on a daily basis, but I know for many people that just doesn't happen, and sunburn ensues. Luckily, aloe vera exists! I like to keepe aloe vera on hand to sooth my skin after sun exposure, whether I have a visible sunburn or not. I like to add a drop or two of peppermint and lavender essential oils to sooth and repair any damage, and it's a cooling and relaxing way to unwind after a day out in the hot sun, especially when stored in the fridge. Aloe vera also makes a great lightweight moisturizer for the body or face, and can be used to tame flyaways and balance the ph of the scalp and hair. My only guidelines when shopping is to find a brand with the fewest preservatives and additives possible, and Amara Organics was the best out there, at 99.75% purity, and it's cold- pressed!

The Dirty Goat Out Of The Woods Bug Spray ($8 -$11)

My favorite part of summer is exploring nature, sitting by a fire, or going for walks in the evening. My least favorite part of all those things? Bugs. I have always hated using bug spray, even well before I was aware of the concept of "clean" products. I could just tell that that synthetic chemical-laden mist was not something i wanted on my body or in my lungs. This year I found Out of The Woods (the T-Swift reference is adorable, btw) from The Dirty Goat, and I'm in LOVE. It is composed of bug deterring cedarwood, citronella, lavender, peppermint, tea tree, and clove essential oils. I actually enjoy the smell of this, it's so much more pleasant to wear than the traditional alternative. Aside from the essential oils, this just contains a simple base of witch hazel, water, and vegetable glycerin.

Hair

Captain Blankenship Golden Waves Sea Salt Summer Spray ($28)

Every mermaid needs beachy waves, and golden shimmer is the icing on the cake with this product. This spray imparts a shimmering mist of rose-scented sea salt, kelp, and aloe, to nourish, and add body to your hair. I always need a little lift in my roots, and this product does the job perfectly and leaves me feeling summer-ready. If you aren't a fan of the shimmer and glimmer, they do offer a mica-free version as well.

Shea Moisture Pure Argan Oil ($8)

I use argan oil religiously no matter what time of year, but chlorinated pools, wind, and sun all take a toll on your hair. I apply a quarter size amount to the lower two-thirds of my hair (my hair is quite long) and it nourishes my dry, split ends and smooths everything out without looking greasy. I love using it before heat styling, because I find it helps my hairstyle hold up so much better. Shea Moisture is easily accessible (i got mine at Ulta, but they sell the brand in most drugstores, Walmart, and Target) and it is more affordable than many other brands.

I hope you have discovered a few summer treats here, that you can make use of before the summer ends. Over the past few days I have started anticipating (and maybe even getting a little excited for?) the upcoming fall, but I have lots left to do before the summer is over, and hopefully some more summer themed products to try. Enjoy the last few weeks of the season, and don't forget that SPF!

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