Today, I wanted to share what I’m currently using on a daily basis. It’s my latest and possibly my favorite beauty regimen to date. Here are the very natural, multipurpose, and affordable products I would highly recommend:

• Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Liquid Soap – My new daily face wash. It gets rid of dead skin like no other, but doesn’t over-dry or irritate my sensitive skin. It’s powerful stuff so they recommend diluting it, but to be honest – I don’t! I use just 2-3 pure drops, put it directly on my skin, and wash it off quickly. If you google a bit, a lot of people have found this to be extremely helpful for acne. Added bonus – this soap literally has at least 17 other uses. I think I have finally found a face wash that I will use for life. ($6.39 for 8 oz)

• Baking Soda – Combine about teaspoon with a little water in your hand and you have yourself a incredibly cheap and effective yet gentel facial scrub.  I use this 1 – 2 times per week. ($1 for 16 oz)

• Heritage’s Rose Petals Rosewater - A perfect facial toner for all skin types, but especially sensitive or mature. It’s so simple yet so luxurious – it smells like pure roses! Naturally loaded with vitamin C, it aids in collagen production. I put a little on a cotton ball and use it on my entire face and neck after I get out of the shower. ($5.49 for 4 oz)

• derma e® Hyaluronic Acid Serum – I am LOVING this as my daytime moisturizer. My skin absorbs it so well and it has such a nice light scent of plumeria. The hyaluronic acid draws in moisture plumping skin and reducing the signs of aging. It’s oil-free making it a great choice for those who are blemish-prone or just don’t like a heavy moisturizer. ($29.50 or less for 2 fl oz)

• Egyptian Magic – A friend told me how she was using it around her eyes (to prevent lines) so I decided to give it a try. This all purpose balm has some of the most therapeutic natural ingredients around. When I occasionally get eczema on my hand, it clears it up within an hour or two. If used only as an eye cream, a little goes a long way so then the price becomes incredibly reasonable for the size ($37.20 for 4 oz ).

• Desert Essence Blemish Touch Stick - With a roller ball applicator, this all natural blemish treatment is so quick and easy to apply. I love that it goes on clear, unlike many blemish treatments. Also, studies have shown tea tree oil to be as effective as benzyl peroxide for treating pimples! ($6.59 for .33 fl oz)

• Aloe Vera Gelly by Lily of the Desert – I use this as my night cream becomes I am so sick of products (natural and not quite so natural) clogging my pores. This cooling gel leaves skin noticeably nourished and calmer by morning. It’s an excellent choice in general if you’re prone to redness/irritation.  ($4.59 for 4 oz)

Do you have a beauty regimen? I would love to hear what it is!

Here’s a glimpse of a few of my favorite gifts — my friends and family know me oh too well.

{Terra Essential’s Aroma Roll On in Pink Lotus}

{Coconut Shampoo by Desert Essence}

{Rich Shampoo with Hibiscus and Honey by LOVE & TOAST}

{birthday card made by my 8 year old nephew :)}

Happy weekend everyone!

Here are a few of my absolute favorite body moisturizers. I now have my sister in love with the Shikai Gardenia lotion too. Are you a fan of any of these or do you have some other natural favorites?

Shikai (around $7.99)

I especially adore the Gardenia (it truly smells JUST like the flower), but there also a lot of other fun scents (yuzu, honeysuckle, etc)

Hugo Naturals (around $10.99)

This lotion is SO rich without being greasy. The Shea Butter & Oatmeal is such a delicious and comforting scent.

Rainbow Research Inc. (around $7.99)

Best choice for really sensitive skin!

Dr. Hauschka (around $12.99)

So rich and perfect for dry, winter hands! Specifically helps to keep the appropriate pH balance of skin.

Desert Essence (around $8.99)

Can’t forget the feet! Often one of the hardest areas to keep moisturized, but this foot cream does wonders. And it’s pistachio – a fun & unique scent!

]]> http://allnaturalannie.com/2010/11/favorite-natural-moisturizers/feed/ 16 http://allnaturalannie.com/2010/07/better-sunscreens/ http://allnaturalannie.com/2010/07/better-sunscreens/#comments Wed, 14 Jul 2010 10:09:02 +0000 All Natural Annie http://allnaturalannie.com/?p=3063 While the mainstream has everyone covering themselves from head to toe, 24-7 to protect against the dangers of the sun, what about the dangers of what you’re slathering all over your largest organ (your skin)? Not all sunscreens were made equal. The problem with most of the sunscreens on the market is that they contain ingredients that in fact might be causing allergic reactions as well as cellular changes, and hence cancer! Hard to believe, right?

Ideally you would never ever spend excessive amounts of time in the sun and never let yourself get a sunburn. Since, that’s virtually impossible for most, here are some options that do the same job of protecting, but have a much safer profile overall. These mineral-based options deflect the sun’s rays rather than absorb them, which is what synthetic chemicals do.

As usual, the natural route is a little pricier and harder to find, but the price tag is definitely worth it and your closest health food store should have at least one or more of these options. It’s summer so definitely enjoy the sun, but try to do it naturally more safely!

Badger Balm’s SPF 30 Sunscreen ($16)

]]> http://allnaturalannie.com/2010/07/better-sunscreens/feed/ 13 http://allnaturalannie.com/2010/05/fresh-fruity-body-washes/ http://allnaturalannie.com/2010/05/fresh-fruity-body-washes/#comments Tue, 11 May 2010 15:42:58 +0000 All Natural Annie http://allnaturalannie.com/?p=2358 With options like Red Raspberry, Green Apple & Ginger, Italian Red Grape, and Bulgarian Lavender, Desert Essence Organics Body Washes are the perfect springtime shower accessory! All of the varieties contain natural, botanical ingredients. They are not super moisturizing or oily (traits you would want in the winter months). Rather, they are nourishing yet refreshing and I just love the colorful, photographic packaging. Desert Essence also makes handwash in some of the same scents with the same bright style of packaging.

Photo Credit: DesertEssence.com, LLC