REVITALIZING MASKS FOR GORGEOUS SKIN AND HAIR

As I said on an earlier post, everyone needs to have a self love time out, and occasionally indulge in doing simple things that feel amazing, something special that gives us happiness and peace. In addition to that, one of the best things about being a woman (men can join of course), is the need to feel beautiful, delicate and our drive to keep ourselves fresh and healthy...so why not do it naturally?

Of course that going to a professional for a deep skin cleaning, a treatment at the salon or an exquisite massage at the spa is amazing and very necessary, but realistically not all of us have the time or the money to do so as much as we would like. So why deprive ourselves of these delicious and relaxing practices that also transform your skin and hair, in addition to calm your nervous system?

Here I leave you some amazing face and hair masks, plus some beauty tips you can apply at home any day of the week, with simple ingredients you can get at the local supermarket.

PRIMAL PIT PASTE GIVEAWAY!

Recently I posted about my favorite beauty products and talked about the one I struggled the most to find...deodorant. Finally five months ago, me and my husband found Primal Pit Paste, and after trying many natural options that sadly didn't work, I found this wonderful brand that truly passed the test in every situation.

Not only that, but their products are handmade here in Florida (yay for local!) with natural and organic ingredients. Created by a mom who wanted safe deodorants for her young children, they are aluminum and paraben free. Their ingredients are super simple: organic coconut oil, baking soda, essential oils, arrowroot flour and shea butter...you can almost eat them (not that you want to haha!).

Many people are hesitant to buy brands that are not found at drugstores, perhaps because they are not sure if they work, or because they are a bit more expensive than traditional ones. The other day thinking about that, I decided to write to Primal Pit Paste so that together we could offer my readers the opportunity to try their amazing product line for free, and they not only said yes, but also kindly offered me two packs of two deodorants each, one cream and one stick so you can discover which one is your favorite. I love supporting and receiving the support from a brand that I really use and love.

That's why today I’m super excited to announce the first Fit for the Journey giveaway courtesy of Primal Pit Paste…wohoo!

FINDING TOXIC FREE MAKEUP AT LAST

A couple of posts ago I mentioned how frustrated I was because I couldn't find makeup brands that were not only great looking on the skin, but that also didn't contain toxic ingredients, were tested on animals and were harmful to my health. Remember that our skin is the largest organ we have and everything that we put into it will be absorbed by our bodies.

After nearly five months of research, ordering samples online (as most of these alternative brands are not sold in most stores) and a lot of trial and error, I found several "jewels" that made me super happy (there are still a couple of basics that I haven't found such as powder shadows), but I'm on the search.

These products are really the ones I'm using at the moment, and remember that even if I recommend something specific, it doesn't mean that necessarily their whole line of cosmetics is just as safe (just in case always check www.ewg.org/skindeep) for the product punctuation and ingredient list.

DRY BRUSH, ANOTHER AMAZING RITUAL TO START YOUR DAY!

As you can see in the pic, I have quite a long morning routine. I think it's very important to start on the right foot and prep your body and mind for the day to come. Alkalizing, giving thanks, detoxing, invigorating, stretching and exercising will have a deep impact in your life, as it has done in mine. Today I'm going to talk to you about one of those non negotiable things for me...dry brushing.

Our body excretes about one pound of waste daily. If your pores are clogged, those toxins are reabsorbed instead of being eliminated.

Dry brushing (used in many spas), is a technique used to exfoliate skin with the help of a natural bristle brush, which basically means that it's fibers come from plant sources. Synthetic fibers are very hard and will leave you with irritated skin. In case you have very sensitive skin, you can also use loofah gloves.

This technique not only removes dead skin cells from the surface, but also stimulates cell production and provides smoother, brighter skin. 

MY FAVORITE NATURAL COSMETICS RIGHT NOW

In the previous post, I wrote about the most chemicals that are added to our everyday products and how they can negatively affect our body. In this past year I've been testing and researching many brands and products, some natural but not so good and others that are great but not so natural. I always keep looking for the best options on the market, but generally, is not a black or white issue and it becomes difficult (there are too many hidden ingredients).
  

Here is a list of the products I use at the moment, I hope it makes it a little easier and guide's you in the right direction so you can replace the toxic cosmetics you still have at home, with smarter choices. An important clarification is that when I recommend a product doesn't necessarily mean I'm supporting the whole brand, as what they use for their other lines may contain ingredients that I don't agree with. Remember to always check http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ to review the score and content of the products (just ask my husband how long I usually take in the "beauty" aisle of the supermarket, checking on the phone what I'm interested in getting). But I know that my efforts are worth it.

Many of these brands can be purchased only through the web, and usually cost a bit more than what you 're used to, but you will be paying for high quality ingredients and safer cosmetics. On the other hand, I don't use millions of unnecessary items and have saved some money there. Less is more!

WHAT'S HIDDEN INSIDE OUR COSMETICS?

* Warning: reading this post is worse than watching a horror movie on halloween at 3 am*

Today's women uses about 12 beauty products each day, that equals to 126 ingredients applied to our skin continuously. What we must realize is that the skin is our largest organ and that 70% of what we pour on our bodies is absorbed either through ingestion, inhalation, breast milk, placenta skin and mucous membranes of the nose, eyes and mouth.

This is concerning, mainly because although we buy products that look and smell incredibly good, within them are hidden a mixture of dangerous synthetic chemicals, including carcinogens (cancer-causing), teratogenics (birth defects), reproductive toxicants, and endocrine disruptors.