Feelin' Fatigued, Lookin' Fabulous

I think I may have mentioned in another blog post that my husband, who loves researching, found an article about how chemicals in makeup can make people sick. I always try to keep everything as natural as possible. I don't use perfume. I avoid all harsh chemicals in cleaning supplies. I only eat grass fed beef and free range chicken. I try to only eat organic or local vegetables. However, I never thought about what was in the makeup I applied on a daily basis. The easiest thing would probably be to just stop wearing makeup. But I'm such a girly girl. I can't help it! Plus, when I'm not feeling well, applying a little blush or lipgloss perks up my face, which in turn makes me feel better.  I love having fun with makeup and playing with different colors. I was also the makeup manager when I was in the drama club in high school. I know, I'm a geeky girly girl.


So as my Laura Mercier foundation was running low, I decided it was the perfect time to try and find a better, healthier alternative. For me, foundation is always a necessity. My skin has an uneven tone and a few breakouts, so I feel better when I wear makeup. I found a great website called Skin Deep Cosmetics Database where you can research different makeup brands. They rate each product on a scale of 1-10, and break down why it got that score. Turns out my foundation I've been using for years had a score of 9! (0 being the least toxic, 10 being the most!) I was horrified! But not all of Laura Mercier's products received bad ratings. I love their kohl eye pencil and that scored a 2! I immediately decided to do a little spring cleaning with my makeup. I tossed the toxic stuff and looked for better alternatives. While on the site, I also researched my skin care products. I was relieved that my products from PCA Skin all rated between a 0 and 2. Phew! At least I don't have to toss them! 


After much research, I decided to give Jane Iredale's makeup a try. Her makeup is known as the skin care makeup and is the #1 choice of skin care professionals.  Here is what Dermstore had to say about her makeup:


Jane Iredale mineral makeup is the makeup for the new millennium. Formulated with pure micronized minerals and pigments, these all-natural cosmetics have the ability to cover almost any skin problem. Unlike so many makeup collections, the Jane Iredale line contains no oil to clog or enlarge pores and no talc, which can dry the skin. Each product is free of perfume, alcohol, chemical additives and artificial dyes, yet they all offer coverage that traditional makeup can only envy. 

Perfect for those with rosacea, acne and other sensitive skin conditions, Jane Iredale makeup evens the skin's tone while actually nourishing, soothing and protecting with natural ingredients. Jane Iredale ... as nature intended. 

As one of the original mineral makeup lines, Jane Iredale sets themselves apart from the competition by offering a wide variety of cosmetics for the face, cheeks, eyes and lips in every color imaginable. You'll not only be able to create any look you desire, but that look will last all day long -- without harming your skin. 
Jane Iredale Amazing Base, PurePressed Base, Powder-Me SPF, Dream Tint and Lip Drink are now recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation, which means you can trust these popular products to provide SPF 15 and higher water-resistant sun protection without causing sun sensitivity or skin irritation."


Okay, here's the scoop on my new favorite products that all had a great score of 2!


 I love her Dream Tint.  It's an oil free tinted moisturizer that also has an SPF 15. It hydrates, prevents water loss, calms inflammation, and improves the skins elasticity. It's good for people like me, who don't like a heavy feeling of makeup. You can wear it alone but it's great to use as a primer before adding some powder. Plus, it's an Allure reader's choice award winner and it's recommended by the Skin Care Foundation!












After applying my dream tint, I love the Pure Pressed Base Mineral Foundation with an SPF 20. This powder looks sheer and semi matte, and feels weightless. It's a powder, foundation, sunscreen and concealer all in one! It's water resistant and highly pigmented. It's oil, talc, paraben  and colorant free and is also recommended by the Skin Care Foundation. I like that I get coverage from this powder but I don't feel like I'm wearing any makeup. 

For those of us who need help looking more awake, concealer is necessary. I love Jane Iredale's Circle/Delete Concealer. It's an eye treatment as well as a concealer because it contains conditioners such as jojoba esters and avocado oil, both which are high in vitamins A, C, D, and E. It even has green tea in it! It's very creamy and easily glides on your skin. I also like that it comes with two shades so you can get a better match for your skin. I start by applying the darker shade and then blend in some of the lighter one. It also won Allure's Editor Choice Award. 

My last favorite new product is her Moonglow Golden Bronzer.  It's a set of four different golden bronze shades that are perfect for your eyes, cheeks, and lips! It's made with 24-karat gold flakes. This bronzer is perfect for those who were blessed with fair skin like moi! It has the perfect amount of shimmer. You can wear it in the day or brush it on your shoulders and décolleté at night! This product also won the Allure Editors' Choice Award in 2007








I am very happy with my new, natural, healthy makeup. I highly recommend that you give Jane Iredale's makeup a try.  You can search on her website and find a place that carries her products.  Also, Nordstrom sells some of her products online, but only a few of their stores carry her products. If you are feeling more brave, you can order online through Dermstore. Dermstore is a great online makeup and skincare site that always ships your products for free and gladly accepts returns. Also, it's a great place to read reviews. All of the products that I wrote about received high reviews and that's why they are shopper's choice products.  If you find a product you like on their site, set it up in your favorite and you automatically get an extra 10% off!


PS- Still curious about minerals? Read what Jane has to say about minerals.


PPS- All Jane Iredale make is paraben free and never, ever tested on animals.

A few of my favorite winter things

One of the things that is supposed to help with having a chronic illness is having a positive attitude. I really try to keep on the sunny side. I find that when I'm focusing on the good and not the bad, I can tolerate not feeling well. So I decided to make a list of things that have cheered me up this cold winter season.

1. Thymes Frasier Fir candle

This candle is the perfect Christmas candle. It's not overpowering. I especially like it because even though I have a fake tree, it makes my apartment smell like I have a real one. Plus, there is something about having a candle lit that just makes you feel all cozy! An extra bonus, the candle is just as beautiful as it smells!

2. Dagoba Organic Chocolate- Eclipse Extra Dark 87%

Okay so this isn't really a specific "winter" favorite thing. But it is something that I can't live without. It is my favorite dark chocolate. I only eat a little at a time with a few raw almonds... heaven!

3. Red Tea Good Hope Vanilla tea
I don't drink black tea anymore, but when I did vanilla was my favorite flavor. I was so excited when I saw this vanilla rooibus tea. It's so comforting! It's the perfect afternoon tea. Plus there is no caffeine so you don't have to worry about it messing up your sleep!








4. Uggs

These are the most comfortable winter boots. I love wearing these when I have to take my dog out in the bitter cold! I like to wear mine with leggings and skinny jeans. Just make sure you take the time to protect them before you wear them! These boots can get easily ruined in the snow!

5. Florida grapefruit

I love starting my day with a half of grapefruit. Grapefruit is so refreshing and tart. This is probably one of the few things I miss about living in South Florida.

6.Ruffled Echo Touch Gloves

Isn't it annoying when you have to take your gloves off to send a text message, change a song on your ipod, or check your voicemail? Well that's why I love these gloves. Not only are they cute and warm; they are functional! No more frozen fingers!! And they are super cute with the feminine ruffle! I have them in purple! Love!

7. Homemade Soup

I have become the soup lady according to my husband. I love making homemade soup in the winter. Soup is so comforting and good for the soul! My favorites to make are butternut squash, lentil, chicken chickpea, white bean and kale with chicken sausage (my husband's favorite) and good ol' fashioned chicken soup. To me having a big bowl of soup and a huge salad of dark, leafy greens is the perfect meal! Also, I freeze my leftovers once the soup has cooled in freezer ziplock bags. This way it doesn't take long for them to defrost.

Lentil Soup and salad of mustard greens and mixed baby greens

 

8. Soap Market Moisturizers

I usually hate scented lotions.
But I love these! They are home made right in Red Bank, NJ and the scents are all natural. My hands are always dry so I carry a small container of Market Body Natural Body Lotion (Oatmeal Milk Honey) with me. Also, I love the Market Body Butter Cream (Almond Milk). It's great to apply at night when you really want to moisturize.

9. Blanket cardigans

You're probably wondering what I mean by blanket cardigans. Well, I love drapey, comfy cardigans that almost feel like you're wrapping yourself up in a blanket. I find them to be very flattering and they work well with leggings!

10. Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm

Just like my hands are always dry, my lips are always chapped. I love this chapstick!! It's all natural and very moisturizing. I always have one in my purse and then I also keep one by my bed so I can put some on at night!