Enough With Singing About That Girl Who's On Fire...Let's Sing About That Girl Who's On A Budget!

Christian Schloe's "Portrait of A Heart."   I love this with such a passion.

So, we've all heard that song that Alicia Keys sings about that girl who's on fire, right?  Well, to be honest,  I'm infinitely more interested in that girl who's on a budget since she's the person I'm getting emails from all the time asking me how to do this "green" thing when she's strapped for cash.  Enjoy reading about affordable clean skincare, you girl on a budget!

The green beauty industry is amazing on many fronts, but what's really cool about it is the amount of companies that are making high-quality, toxin-free product that is also completely affordable.

THE BRANDS

Napa Organics
Great for:  Body and face oils, scrubs, toner, and lotions
Price range: $12 - $32

Organic California Almond Oil $16

So, you're a budget, huh? Well, I'm recommending you try Napa Organics' Plum Kernel Oil as it can be used all over the face, under the eyes, on hair and even as a body oil. What makes this oil wonderful? The scent of cherries and almonds is off the charts! And, it has only one ingredient, 100% pure California Plum Kernel Oil.  I have super dry skin and found this to be on the lighter side, so if you like an oil, but you're not very dry, this will be awesome for you.  At $32, this pure oil is a steal and is going to last you quite some time. My other recommendation from Napa Organics is their Organic Almond Oil for $16.  I've been using this as a body oil and I absolutely love the purity of it, how it blends so well and how quickly it absorbs.  Oh, and don't forget their Prune & Walnut Face Scrub for $12...this is a big size that will last forever! Read more about my take on Napa Organics here.   

Japanese Konjac Sponge

Great for: natural face and body sponges

The Amazing Green Tea Konjac Sponge $11

Price range: $10.50 - $11.50

I love these!  If you're not in the market for buying an exfoliator and cleanser and you're the low-maintenance type, having one of these around will be a complete dream for you.  Slightly alkaline, these sponges break down dirt and oils. I keep one hanging in my shower and use it to gently exfoliate my face and body.  I like to clean my face with a cleanser to remove all my makeup, but love giving it a light massage with my Japanese Konjac Sponge to seal the deal.  I also love how it feels on the body. These will last 4-6 weeks...even longer if you don't use it daily.

Acure Organics' Brightening Face Scrub

Acure Organics
Great for:  All skincare and haircare
Price Range: $4 - $25

Most likely, many of you have heard of Acure Organics before.  You are probably also aware of how totally inexpensive their line has always been.  In fact, when someone gives me the, "Well, it's too expensive to buy natural skincare and I don't know where to get it."  I quickly send them over to Whole Foods for some Acure.  I find the majority of their prices hover between $15-$25. The standouts for me? Their skin smoothing Brightening Facial Scrub for $14.99 and their Mandarin Orange Body Cream for $9.99 as it's a great hydrator and so easy to use when I don't have time to let a body oil absorb.

Organic Coconut Oil

Great for: makeup removal, face/body moisturizer, in scrubs, hair conditioning treatment and on and on...

Price range: $10-$15 depending on size

Coconut oil is my jam.  It's my makeup remover, body moisturizer, a huge ingredient in my homemade body scrub (turbinado sugar & coconut oil) my deep conditioning hair treatment and something I put in my smoothie every morning. Nutiva is my favorite brand mostly because I find it smells the most of coconut and I love that.  Other organic brands are just as great though, so find what you like.  $11

I've been tagged! Natural skincare tips from the green product junkie...

Welcome to my world.  Here's two of my medicine cabinet shelves...recognize anything?

Tag, you're it!

I've been tagged by Mary from PureMakeup Blog!  So, it's my turn to answer a few questions she has lined up.  Let me get to 'em!  Thanks.

Describe your skincare routine in five words.  Natural, ever-changing, pure, nourishing and effective.

What's your skin type?  I tend to be on the dry side.

What's your favorite skincare product?  This is incredibly difficult because it changes all of the time.  Whenever I get something new to test that is magnificent, it becomes the new favorite. I would have to say a staple is Kahina's Argan Oil, and I'm also really enjoying La Bella Figura's Organic Barbary Fig Renewal Serum these days...the smell is so fruity and it hydrates perfectly.

Top blemish zapper?  I'm fortunate in that I don't break out that often since I began using all-natural skincare and makeup.  If I do, or if I feel like I'm clogged, I'll quickly do an Osmia Organics' Detoxifying Mask...cleans, exfoliates and brightens the skin all in one mask.  I love.

Face Wipes - yay or nay?  Nay.  They're wasteful.  A cotton cloth that you can wash over and over again seems more eco-friendly to me. 

High-end skincare or high-end makeup?  Tough one...I would have to say skincare.  But anything that you put on your skin must be non-toxic...high-end or not.  Skincare brand Acure Organics is very affordable.  

What's the most unusual skincare product you've tried?  Well, it's not that unusual in that it's an exfoliator, but it's definitely an unconventional way of exfoliating...O.R.G.'s Organic Mineral Peel for Face.  You just spray it on and then rub it off after a few seconds.  It's very cool to see what peels off of your face.

You're in a pharmacy and you can only pick one item, what would it be?  Do they sell coconut oil?  If not, let's see...gosh, I think I just leave!  Really.

What are your Top Skincare Tips?

1. Please don't use a lipstick or lip balm with toxic ingredients.  You'll be ingesting chemicals.  Find a great lipstick you love from a natural brand.  I love RMS Beauty, Ilia Beauty, Revolution Organics...and the list goes on.
2. Use a natural sunblock everyday on your face and body parts that will be exposed.
3. Wash your face every night, but not in the morning.  In the morning, just moisturize.  I love GingerChi for cleansing.
4. Exfoliate once or twice a week.  I'm loving using Acure Organics exfoliator.
5. Put a mask on every once in a while...great for the skin.  If you don't have one, plain yogurt on the face is brightening and refreshing.
6. Find a face oil or serum that you love.  Trust me on this.  Oils are awesome.
7. Always use an eye serum or an eye cream.  I love Odacité.
8. Don't use toxic skincare or makeup.  The new green lines are far, far superior to anything you can buy that has chemicals in it.
9. Hang out with people who make you laugh and think you're great.  My skin always looks better when I'm happy!

Oh, and I tag life in blush and The Green Beauty Bunny!

Best Natural Face Exfoliators from Acure Organics and Simply Divine Botanicals

I'm a firm believer in exfoliating your face. Now, I'm not going to say how many times a week you should exfoliate, as I am certain that that's something only you (or your esthetician) can determine since everyone has a different situation going on with their skin.  Naturally, if you're prone to redness and breakouts, you're not going to exacerbate the problem by scrubbing it.  Me?  I usually exfoliate between once or twice a week. These are two of my favorite natural exfoliators for the face.

Acure Organics Brightening Facial Scrub

There's a few reasons why I really love this scrub.  It's a GREAT product to have in your shower because it's so easy to use.  I love, love, love the tube.  If you're the type that loves tiny little beads to exfoliate your skin, you'll love this.  It comes out of the tube a dark, dark green and foams up once you start scrubbing your skin.  You need so little of it and the ingredients are excellent.   This really brightens the skin, is so gentle that it won't dry you out and it's super affordable at $14.99.

Simply Divine Botanicals' Peel Me a Papaya Enzymatic Exfoliant

The big guns.  Okay, you know those times when you just feel like you need a really, really good scrubbing of that face of yours?  Say you've been staying at someone's place or on vacation and haven't had time to take care of your skin?  Well, this is thee perfect exfoliator for that.  I would say that I use this every other week.  Very grainy and super effective, this powder face exfoliator also doubles as a mask.  In fact, that's how I use it.  The ingredients are excellent and work even better when you massage over damp skin and leave on your face for about two minutes.    Your skin will be so, so soft.  Look at these ingredients!  They are gorgeous:  
Unconditional Love and Gratitude, White Kaolin Clay, Dehydrated Coconut Milk, Dehydrated Organic Green Papaya, Organic Oat Bran, Rice Bran, Organic Cornmeal, and Organic powdered Roses, Lavender, Calendula, and Chamomile.  $19.95


*I purchased both of these products myself & the opinions are my own, gosh darn it!

The Green Product Junkie's Natural Shower Products

THE GREEN PRODUCT JUNKIE'S SHOWER...PRESENTLY

So, I just moved into my new cute place on the East Side of Manhattan.  I've got a gorgeous new shower (modern, just like I like it) and have placed my new products in their place.  I change up what I use all the time, but right now I'm loving my set up.

Here's what I have here and what I'm currently using and loving:

Rahua Shampoo and Conditioner - you can see my review here.  I love the stuff.

Dr. Bronner's Peppermint Liquid Soap, Body Soap and Shave Gel - if you're like me and love the tingle of peppermint, you're going to fall fast for this.  My review is here.

Sebon Organics Shampoo & Conditioner - I alternate and love this line.  Super healthy ingredients and gives you such pretty hair.  My review is here.  

Ctonics Passion Shampoo - This is not for everyone.  It's super natural and it takes some getting used to.  I happen to like it, but only use it once a month.  It really strengthens your hair.

Acure Organics Brightening Scrub - I just started using this and I think it's excellent.  I'm definitely going to be reviewing facial scrubs soon...this product deserves a post.  I also think it's great for having in the shower.  Pop it open, apply in circular motion and rinse!

Preserve Razor - If you're not using Preserve, I'm not sure if we can be friends ;) .  Preserve is what everyone on the planet should be using.  Their handles are made from recycled yogurt cups...c'mon, what's cooler.  My review is here. 

SkinnySkinny Eucalyptus Foot Scrub - I will never, ever use another foot scrub.  This is serious and really, really works.  No delicate little beads in this scrub.  Pumice, pumice, pumice.  Love it.  My review is here.

Splurge Skincare Peppermint Body Scrub - LOVE!  Recently wrote a review on this new company.  When I'm feeling like a need to really scrub, I'm reaching for this.  Here's my review.

Yarok Shampoo & Conditioner - I'm at the end of these bottles.  I definitely suggest this to people who have oilier hair.  It's not a super, duper high condition conditioner.  I'm also into scents and this conditioner doesn't match the deliciousness of it's shampoo.  I use it to clean my brushes, too.

The Green Product Junkie's Daily Green Routine

The always green & gorgeous Figwittage suggested that I write a blog on my daily green skincare routine.  Being that I love nothing more than to yap about green products, I'm excited to do so and hope she'll let me in on her routine, as well...I'm a sucker to hear about a new product that I've never tried before.

Please note:  my routine might seem a little excessive and nuts to some of you, but you have to understand that this is my "thing."  I've always loved skincare and makeup, but when I got into the green thing...well, things just got a lot more fun and made a lot more sense.  Having a medicine cabinet filled with elixirs is heaven to me.

THE MORNING SKINCARE:

Wake up, grab my Preserve Toothbrush made from recycled yogurt cups and brush with my Eco-Dent Tooth Powder.  

Since I don't wash my face in the morning (to keep my natural face oils) I go straight to spraying either my Kahina Toner or Sanre Rosy Fresh Toner on my face. *

I then apply Kahina Argan Oil (best stuff on Earth) and apply that all over my face.  If you haven't tried this oil, I suggest you do so right away.  I've got everyone I know hooked on it.

I wait for that to absorb into the skin and apply my DeVita Solar Protective Moisturizer SPF 30.  

Then I'll grab for my eye cream.  I'm loving Naturopathica's Vitamin K Brightening Eye Serum.  

*Sometimes I'll do a mask in the morning.  I have several favorites, but it's usually either a FAGE yogurt mask (just get the one with the most fat and apply) or the Pangea Japanese Matcha Tea Mask.


THE EVENING SKINCARE:

Grab my SW Basics Cleanser (only 3 ingredients...and AWESOME).  If my skin is acting up,  I'll follow up with my SW Basics Toner.  Honestly, though, my skin rarely acts up since I began using organic/natural products a few years ago.

Rinse off the cleanser, grab one of my toners and apply my Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Fruit & Seed Blend Oil or my Kahina Argan Oil.  I usually like to alternate these oils at night.

At night I like a heavier eye cream so I use Holly Beth's Natural Luxury Eye Cream. 

Body Moisturizers:  Post-shower, I will often apply my Patyka Precious Woods Body Oil or my Acure Organics Mandarin Orange & Mango Body Cream if I'm in a rush.  Oh, and before applying these, I spray myself head to toe with Solar Recover's Save Your Skin.  It's basically just a bunch of hydrating essential oils that help spread the oils and/or body cream.  I love it!

THE MAKEUP ROUTINE

Naturally, this varies.  If I'm going to the beach, I'm not doing all of this.  If I'm going to be performing on stage, I do more of this.  This routine is probably my day to day one, give or take a step and I vacillate between pinks and/or coral-pinks.  I'm fair with blue eyes, so I know what works and what doesn't

For primer, I'm putting on my Vapour Stratus Soft Focus Instant Skin Perfector.  I then take my Eco-Tools foundation brush and apply my W3ll People Narcissist Foundation - a definite favorite.  I don't apply a lot, just down the center of my face and spread outwards.  I love it.

I use Couleur Caramel mascara on the top lashes, Zuzu mascara on the bottom (it doesn't smudge at all and is pretty light...using it on the top doesn't give me enough oomph!  

My eyeliner of choice is Dr. Hauschka's Eyeliner Duo 04 in Plum/White.  I don't really use the white ever, but the plum is gorgeous when you smudge.  The shadow I usually use is Lunar from RMS Beauty or Cloud Nine from Kjaer Weis.

My blush these days has been either Revolution Organics in Blushed or RMS Beauty Lip 2 Cheek in Smile.

For lips?  Well, I'm obsessed with lipsticks and glosses so it's ever-changing.  My staples would be RMS Beauty in Sublime, Jane Iredale's Forever Pink Lip Stain, Ilia Beauty's Shell Shocked (a very strange and retro pinkish coral that I wasn't sure about in the beginning, but coupled with Smile blush from RMS...GORG!) and many others.  I generally reach for the pink, though.

No matter what, I'm using my RMS Beauty Living Luminizer on my cheeks, little down the center of the nose and a little in the corner of the inside eye...beautiful!

Oh, there's so much more, but I don't want anyone sending me for a straight jacket fitting.

Best Natural Body Creams & Oils I've Tried...So Far: Patyka, Tallulah Jane & Acure Organics

There's nothing like scrubbing up in the shower and then getting out and putting on some delicious-smelling natural body cream (or oil if you have the drying time).  Here's a few of my favorites:

PATYKA
I'm loving body oils lately but honestly, they take some time to dry and putting clothing on when it's not fully absorbed is going to leave you with some oily-smelling clothes down the road.  So, I usually use my creams when I'm on the the run, and my oils when I've got some time to lollygag around.  One of my favorites that I usually put on before bed is Patyka's Precious Woods Body Oil.  This oil smells subtle and so pretty.  Patyka recommends that you put this on before bed to activate cell regeneration.  Not sure how that works, but I do know that my skin is super, super soft and has a nice hydrated glow the next morning.  It's a little steep in price (around $65) but it's well worth it.  I treat this stuff like it's liquid gold.

TALLULAH JANE
Hmm...I love smelling like a lemon grove.  I do, I do!  Tallulah Jane's Halona Body Oil is wonderful.  I just used it this weekend whilst away and after my shower my friend came into the bathroom and said, "I love how you leave a room and it smells like lemon."
I love the consistency of this oil and how well it hydrates.  It comes in a gorgeous glass bottle (not ideal for my travel, but when there's a will, there is a way).  BTW, try their perfumes, too.  My favorite is 333.  $38 

ACURE ORGANICS

I find that many of the organic and natural products I buy aren't exactly what I'd consider inexpensive.  I really was made aware of it when after a week at my friend's beach house he said, "Okay, your skin looks awesome, I'm sold.  What is all of this stuff and how much does it cost?"  After adding it all up, it was a small fortune.  But there's one company that is truly wonderful and so, so affordable.  In fact, I would have to say that Acure Organics is even more affordable than stuff that you'd purchase in a drugstore (and without all the nasty chemicals).  I am a huge fan of their Mandarin Orange & Mango Body Cream.  Not only does this smell great, but it is organic, natural and really hydrates.  The consistency is perfect.  And, for a mere $9.99, it's totally affordable.  Make sure to check out their other products, too.  I'm a huge fan!

*I purchased all of these products myself.  All opinions are my own!