(Part 2) Top products from r/NaturalBeauty

I've been dabbling in more natural alternatives, though I haven't given up my eyeliner or mascara yet. Here are some super easy things I've included in my routine:

Amazing Tingly Shampoo (makes quite a bit)

• 3/4 cup green tea
  
• 2/3 cup liquid Castile Soap ( I use this and it lasts FOREVER )
  
• 1-1/2 teaspoon olive oil
  
• 10 drops of pure essential oil (I use tea tree + lavender)
  
  Conditioner -- I'm bad -- I still use store bought conditioner or Wen :(
  
  Dry Shampoo for non-shampoo days - Cocoa powder. Seriously. It's the best. Dust it around the roots with an old make-up brush (I use a kabuki), and fluff/toss hair around to distribute. Gives amazing matte texture to fairly oily hair.
  
  Leave in Conditioner - Jojoba oil is fantastic for smoothing fly-aways and for keeping the ends of hair moisturized. (Just a few drops)
  
  Deep conditioner -- Coconut oil, it's magic!
  
  Body Wash -- You can use the same recipe as the shampoo above! If it's too strong or oily for your skin, try a mix of Castile soap and water or tea.
  
  
  Face wash
  
  I use an oil cleansing method once or twice a week. Rub the oil mix into your skin for a few minutes, massaging in little circles. Place a hot, moistened towel over your face, lie down if you like until it cools. Rinse towel, repeat. Gently rub away any oil left behind. This is my favorite and makes me feel like I went to the spa! (If you have dry skin, use less castor oil.)
  
  
• 2 tsp Castor Oil (strange, I know -- find it near the laxatives)
  
• 1 TBSP Olive Oil
  
• optional : I love adding lemon oil
  
  Other than that, I use warm water to wash my face, and moisturize with Vitamin E oil.
  
  Moisturizer
  
  Jojoba, Vitamin E, and coconut oil are great for dry skin, though they do take a little while to soak in. I love using them because they're no-brainers that I can use with no prep time. Careful not to use too much coconut oil, it can get drippy! :)
  
  Edit: formatting!
  

Whoops. I didn't see your question about petroleum. I assume you mean petroleum jelly like Vaseline or Aquaphor? I haven't heard concerns about contamination with crude oil (from any reputable medical or scientific sources). Again this is a separation based on the length of the carbon chain, an easy separation. Mineral oil and Petroleum jelly are both non-comedogenic, which means they won't clog your pores. However, that doesn't mean that it is guaranteed not to give you acne. Everyone's skin is different, and responds accordingly. YYMV (Your Mileage May Vary).

There are 3 types of moisturizers: Humectants, Emollients, and Occlusives. Petroleum jelly is an occlusive. Which means it sits on top of the skin and forms a barrier that keeps moisture from escaping (just like mineral oil).

Some people like to use it as a makeup remover as well.

If you mean to use it as a moisturizer, here's how to maximize your efforts.

1. Use the mineral oil (or whatever) to remove your makeup.
   
2. Now cleanse your face (OCM or facial cleanser, I like Vanicream's).
   
   I only do Steps 1 &2 in the PM. In the AM, I simply splash my face with water.
   
   
3. Now apply toner, if desired (I love alcohol-free witch hazel.)
   
4. Next apply any treatments you need (AHAs, BHAs, retinols, etc.).
   
5. Now apply your primary facial moisturizer (CeraVe, Cetaphil, Neurtogena, whatever you like).
   
6. Here is where you 'cap' or 'seal in' the moisture with the Vaseline. (Many people prefer to do this only in the PM. I personally don't mind it under my makeup.)
   
7. Optional: I like to use dimethicone here to keep my face from being slick/sticky. Many makeup primers have dimethicone as the main ingredient. I buy one by Monostat because of the price. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0012ZNSWE/ref=twister_B013RDL0R8?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
   
   If it's the PM, you're done! Stop here. If it's the AM, continue.
   
   
8. If you apply sunblock, do it now.
   
9. Now apply your makeup.
   
   Congrats, you're ready for the day!
   
   As for using mineral oil as a natural, one-step body mosturizer, it's easy! Simply apply after bathing when your skin is still a bit wet (not dripping). You don't need much.
   
   I hope that was helpful!

Has he tried a good aloe vera yet? Like Lilly of the Desert (which you can generally find at Sprouts, maybe try whole foods), Aloe Farms (you can find it on amazon, it's quite liquidy but good stuff), or Mountain Rose Herbs (also quite liquidy but also good stuff). I don't have sensitive skin, but it really has helped me to use it after a shower followed up with moisturizer (sunflower oil for me). He only REALLY needs to be washing his pits and boy bits, soaping up your whole body regularly isn't necessary and can dry out and irritate skin. My SO has very dry/sensitive skin due to Psoriasis, a good Olive Oil or Shea Butter based bar soap has helped him not feel dry and itchy. He liked this one with shea butter, it also smells like something a guy would use - which helps. Be sure to pay attention to the ingredients, though. I got tricked by a soap that claimed to be Shea Butter based and it ended up being the last ingredient in the bar, as opposed to the one I linked which has much more.

I use a double-edged safety razor (obligatory r/wicked_edge link). It happens to be this one. I also use coconut oil, which is lovely and moisturizing, instead of shaving cream.

There's an initial investment for the razor and blades (I got a variety pack of 60 blades and have barely made a dent after 7 months, since I only shave my legs once a week), but after that, the replacement blades are incredibly cheap; you can get them for as little as 8 cents apiece (!).

It takes a bit of practice to get good with the thing, but I enjoy shaving so much more now! Bonus: no razor burn, and I rarely cut myself anymore.

You can buy a one ounce tube at most beauty supply stores for around $1.50. It's usually in the ethnic section. I started out with that and now buy it by the pound online. It's especially effective if you melt it (I use a candle warmer. I know, it's kind of weird, but effective).

This is the yellow stick that you will see in stores.

It's amazing, and super cheap. I can even use it on my face and it doesn't break out.

edit: If you have a hard time finding it, let me know. I have about 6 pounds of it from my last order. If you want to PM me your address, I will mail you some to try.

My favorite, use post-shower:
Hempz body butter

Also just bought a high end humidifier because it's so dry where I live. Helps a lot!! And drink water. Often.
My body wash is super mild too, Alba lavender body wash.

Thank you for this!

I would like to add Burt's Bees Spray Deodorant. I've been using this for a few years and really enjoy it. It does sting a little if applied right after shaving though.

One other thing, are there any solid deodorants that are baking-soda free other than the MoM? I found a recipe, but have yet to try it and would like to know if anyone has tried this or what their thoughts on it are?

To answer your question about tea tree/lemon/lavender they are those oils like peppermint that should be diluted if skin is sensitive. The others should be fine, of course, but if you are sensitive to them, dilute. As for ratios, I highly suggest the following book: http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Book-Essential-Oils-Aromatherapy/dp/0931432820 . Valerie Ann Worwood is a heck of an expert. Additionally it's a great reference book in general.

Exactamundo - I'll call it light brown but my bf calls it dirty blonde. Name of the potion is Fairy Tales Coco Cabana
it's kids hair spray, but it works like a charm if you spray it in your hair after swimming in the ocean (which usually TRASHES my baby fine hair!)

Honey is my go-to for stressed skin to! My skin seems to heal much faster if I give it daily honey masks. I've never used manuka honey, though. My local health food store sells this enriched honey which seems to do a great job. For some reason, this honey is extra thick, so there's minimal dripage when you apply it straight to your face.

https://www.amazon.com/Natures-Way-Activated-Charcoal-Capsules/dp/B0006LCQ4Q/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=activated+charcoal+capsules&qid=1562459159&s=gateway&sr=8-3 I was using these capsules and taking out the powder to make my own mask for the night. Do you think it's better if I just get a mask that already contains activated charcoal instead?

What!?! That's such a bummer :(

If you do want to pick up a steam distilled sweet orange EO here's a few different sources =]

• http://www.vitalustre.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=Sweet%20Orange%20Essential
  
  
• http://www.amazon.com/Botanical-Beauty-Orange-Essential-Distilled/dp/B005ERS3EO
  
  
• http://wellness.organicvirtues.com/index.php/sweet-orange-steam-distilled-essential-oil-1-oz.html
  
  
• http://www.thegrapeseedcompany.com/steam-distilled-essential-oils-p/eo.htm
  
  

yes! I stopped using regular toothpaste and mouthwash, and my tooth sensitivity disappeared. I use the herbal tooth powder and blotting brushes (absolutely essential for great gum health) at the Holistic Dental Store. I also followed the basic protocols in this book but you can even find the information online. It basically touts raw milk, cod liver oil, eggs, dark leafy greens, liver and no wheat bran as a way to reverse tooth decay. My teeth regrew their enamel and for the first time in my life, my gums didn't bleed when I went to the dentist a few months ago :)

This. Also I've been using it for over 4 years and haven't had to buy more, it laaaaasssstttsss.

You could get a Misto! http://www.amazon.com/Misto-Brushed-Aluminum-Olive-Sprayer/dp/B00004SPZV/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1382574672&sr=8-2&keywords=misto

I use it for olive oil.

I use this one
mostly because my daughter tends to find and eat it and now it isnt a big deal. Hope this helps.

no idea but a quick search brought me to this and this ?

I used it for about 4 days and it seemed to keep sprouting whiteheads. How long is the adjustment period? Every website that I looked at said comedogenicity of hemp oil is zero so I was really shocked to see this...

I am using Nutiva organic hemp oil since all the reviewers and some people online were raving about it for their face: http://amzn.com/B000GAO91K

What brand do you use?

I had this weird cystic breakout on the side of my face for months, most likely from stress. I just figured out a skincare regimen that works for me. I have combination skin.

First I wash with Dr. Woods Black Soap or a cleansing wipe if I'm too lazy to wash my face. Then I swab my face with Thayers Rose Petal Witch Hazel. After that, I apply tea tree oil in dabs on the areas where I have breakouts. After it's dry, I apply MSM cream all over my face and neck. (If you have very sensitive skin, this might not be the best option. Some of the reviews claim it makes sensitive skin burn.) Throughout the day, I dab small amounts of this 10% sulfur cream to the breakouts a few times a day while doing chores or busy work, when I'm not wearing makeup. The sulfur cream was the key ingredient in healing my breakout. 3 or 4x a week, I'll use Indian Healing Clay mixed with apple cider vinegar and water. I also spray with Rosewaterto keep my skin moist without my pores getting clogged.

I've never had boils, but I suggest steaming your face, then putting the healing clay on. This will open up your pores wide before the clay pulls out all of the gunk.

This is what worked for me over a 5-day period after having cystic acne on one area of my cheek for 3 months. The area is almost completely healed, and I'm continuing the regimen. The MSM cream seems to be healing other scars and imperfections on my skin as well. I'm not a beauty expert and this regimen may be too harsh for some people's skin, but after months of frustration and this is what worked for me.

I hope this helps!

*Edit: annaqua is totally right. I found that yeast, sugar, and caffeine are triggers for me. Try going on a juice cleanse and you may see a huge difference right away.