I am a wife to my high-school sweetheart, a biological, foster and adoptive mom, and a self-proclaimed “hippy.” Soon after having my first baby, I became very aware of the quality of products we put on and in our bodies. Over the years, I have made small changes in products, foods, household cleaners and cosmetics – using products that have natural ingredients that are safe and effective for our entire family has become a high priority for me.
In my quest to clean up my skincare routine, I learned that in the United States, 80 percent of beauty product ingredients have never been tested for safety. There are very few restrictions in the beauty industry in America, and that really bothered me. Most women use more than a dozen products on their bodies each day, meaning they could come in contact with hundreds of potentially harmful chemicals before they even leave their bathroom. I first heard about Beautycounter years ago when I learned about their clean products from a friend. Beautycounter is raising the standard in the beauty and cosmetic industry as they advocate for better regulations and vow to never use a growing list of more than 1,800 harmful ingredients. I decided to become a Beautycounter consultant myself, because I believe we shouldn’t have to choose between safety and effectiveness, and I enjoy sharing safer skin care options. As a busy working mom, I have learned the importance of prioritizing self-care. Some of my favorite ways to take care of “me” are massage therapy, walks, books and podcasts that feed my mind and soul, epsom salt detox baths, seasonal facials at Skincare Butik, and a whole lot of prayer.
Beautycounter Countertime Regimen
After turning 30, I began to notice unwanted fine lines and dark spots, and realized my grocery store skincare products were no longer cutting it. I found out about the Countertime Collection from Beautycounter, and it sounded like exactly what my skin needed. This plant-derived Retinatural complex is designed to visibly firm, brighten, and plump the skin. The regimen makes it so easy to incorporate into my daily routine – with the cleansing oil, mineral boost hydrating essence, tripeptide radiance serum, antioxidant soft cream and the nighttime tetrapeptide supreme cream, everything is covered in a few easy steps. Using this collection has completely changed my skin!
Available at Beautycounter.com
Dry Brush
I learned about dry brushing during an extensive detox massage a couple of years ago. This is a simple and very effective technique to incorporate in any self-care routine. It not only helps to exfoliate skin, but also increases blood flow and helps promote lymphatic drainage. A large part of cleaning up your beauty routine is helping the body to detox the harmful things we come in contact with or consume daily; I like to dry brush before a nice hot detox bath.
Available at Ulta
Counter+ Overnight Resurfacing Peel
If I had to choose one, this would be my favorite skincare product. I have battled dry, dull skin for years. This overnight Resurfacing Peel is a lightweight serum you apply at night and leave on to improve skin texture and boost clarity without drying out. With botanically derived glycolic, malic and natural lactic acids, this formula clears away dull surface cells, leaving you with a brighter, healthier complexion and smooth skin texture. I have never used another product that makes my skin so smooth!
Available at Beautycounter.com
Coconut Oil
I feel that a good jar of organic coconut oil is a must-have in every bathroom. I use coconut oil as eye makeup remover, shave cream, and body moisturizer. I also add a couple of tablespoons to an epsom salt bath along with a few drops of essential oils for the perfect moisturizing detox bath, or use it for oil pulling with a drop of DoTerra clove essential oil. It’s one of our family’s most used and most versatile products.
Available at H-E-B or Sprouts
Anda Supernutrient Balm and Enzyme Serum Masque
I discovered this nutrient-dense duo during a seasonal facial at Skincare Butik. Having dry skin, I love the thick texture of this balm. I like to warm the balm in my palm, then add a couple of pumps of the serum masque and pat on my face before I use my Gua Sha stone or jade roller. This combination can also be used for regular facial massage to help plump skin and increase blood flow while nourishing and hydrating the skin. It’s a must-have through the winter months or in dry climates, and leaves my skin feeling so nourished and hydrated.
Available at Skincare Butik
Gua Sha & Jade Roller
I’ve learned the art of Gua Sha and jade rolling from the pros at Skincare Butik in their workshops and seasonal facials. This is a highly effective technique to naturally plump the skin by increasing blood flow, stimulating collagen production and flushing out impurities.
Available at Skincare Butik
Counter + No. 1 Brightening Oil
I love the entire collection of Beautycounter facial oils. I use these like a makeup primer or just for an added glow on no-makeup days. I just pat a couple of drops all over my face to hydrate and improve skin radiance. It has omega-rich marula oil to provide intense hydration and vitamin C to brighten and even the skin tone. This facial oil has been awarded Allure Magazine’s Best of Beauty award, and I can tell why!
Available at Beautycounter.com
Stay up to date with the latest news delivered straight to your inbox.
