Favorite Health and Beauty Products

Let me just start off by saying that I am by no means a health or beauty expert. My kids seem to be sick more than most other kids and most days I’m wearing no make-up, despite the dark circles under my eyes. But I learned about some great products through bloggers and others on social media, so I thought I’d share a few of my favorite health and beauty products.

The past year, I’ve tried to shift toward a more natural approach to health and beauty. I became so tired of giving my kids prescription medications that I was willing to try almost anything. At the same time, I became sensitive to the beauty products I was using, especially after discovering I was pregnant again, so I began finding more natural or organic substitutions.

I devoted a blog post last February to going granola, but some of the beauty routines were a little too granola for me, especially the new hair routine. But what can I say, you live and you learn.

Here are some health and beauty products I’m loving right now–though I’m sure they’ll change in another year!

Coconut oil: Last year, I tried using coconut oil as a facial moisturizer, but after a couple months decided it wasn’t for me. After a few hours, my face was a little too oily (though it smelled really good!). I love using coconut oil as an eye makeup remover though. I only wear makeup once or twice a week, but I felt like I was really doing some damage to the skin under my eyes using those quickie makeup remover wipes. So I switched to coconut oil so that I’d be gentler and I figured the extra moisture wouldn’t hurt. I also love using coconut oil as a moisturizer after I shave my legs. It works great in the summer because it absorbs into the skin and I don’t end up with sweat dripping down my legs on super hot days or after a workout like I used to with traditional lotions.

Essential Oils: For Christmas this year, James gifted me with a set of essential oils (and I didn’t even ask for them!). I’ve read a lot about essential oils the past couple months, so I’m excited to learn more about how to use them. So far, we’ve used one for reducing fevers on the boys and we’ve used the breathing oil (mixed with coconut oil) quite a few times–rubbing on the boys’ chests and the bottoms of their feet. I can’t wait to use some of the other ones soon.

Maracuja Oil: I first read about this oil from a blogger I follow who raved about it on her sensitive skin. I don’t necessarily have sensitive skin, but considering my lack of sleep during the past three years, it’s definitely taken a toll on my skin (aka dark circles, fine lines, overall aging). I apply a drop or two of oil every time I wash my face. I’ll spare you a picture of my bare face, since I have a newborn, which means two steps forward and one step back when it comes to my tired face. But I will say that I have been using this product since the end of August, and it’s been great on the hottest days (my skin doesn’t get oily) and on the coldest days (such as yesterday when the temps dropped overnight into the single digits). Tarte sells a bottle, but I got my bottle of oil on Amazon for nearly half the price, and I’ve used about half of it in almost 5 months.

Juice Plus gummies: I do my best to cook healthy homemade dinners every night, but James Michael is a very picky eater at this point, and it seems like the healthier the food, the less he likes it. He would basically live off of snacks if we let him. Anticipating how much my boys were sick last winter, coupled with JM’s lacking nutrition, I decided to order the boys Juice Plus in November. I’m not saying I’m completely sold on these little gummies (and I do believe that the ideal scenario is to eat more fruits and veggies), but I was desperate to do whatever I could to keep the boys as healthy as possible and avoid over-medicating them this winter. The boys absolutely love the gummies–what kids wouldn’t? It’s hard to tell just how effective they’ve been, because the boys have already had a couple bouts with sickness. But on the whole, it’s nothing compared to the state of sickness we endured last winter. I will definitely continue to give them Juice Plus throughout the winter, and then reevaluate this spring. But most likely I’ll continue with it unless JM becomes a much better eater. Thankfully, we have no issues with Beau’s eating, as evidenced by his chubby cheeks.

I’m still on the hunt for a few more products that are natural or organic and not overly expensive. Please share if you know of a great shampoo, conditioner and hair styling product (which I will need soon to tame the baby hairs and help add volume).

I’m also currently using Pur Minerals CC Cream and powder (I like the level of coverage and feel of the products). I know there are more natural makeup choices out there, but unfortunately, I’m clueless when it comes to the options. Would love to hear about some more natural makeup brands, too. [I wrote this post yesterday, but the blogger who turned me onto Maracuja oil just posted her two-minute makeup routine today, which includes several Tarte products that seem promising. If you have any experience with Tarte, let me know!]

I’ve also heard great things about using silver for health. Can you recommend any other natural health products?