(Part 3) 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!
  

TlDr; Wash with only conditioner most days. Take collagen powder (not pills). Worked wonders for me.

Have you looked into conditioner-washing? It's what it sounds like, you wash your hair with conditioner instead of shampoo.

What I do is condition most of the time, and use shampoo once a week (unless I've been working outside/sweating/have lots of product in my hair).

I use jason-brand fragrance free shampoo and conditioner. I tried with another brand, and it didn't clean my hair well. So some brands may work better for you than others, but I'd definitely suggest giving this a go.

Also, not product, but a couple months before I started washing with just conditioner I started taking collagen powder daily. I got a container for free & figured I'd use it for the protein content.

But lemme tell you the change that unexpectedly made in my hair (and nails) after a week or three. It is stronger, thicker, and grows damn near twice as fast.

This is the one I started ordering once my freebie ran out. I mix it with a cup of water and some lemon juice (for vitamin c to help with collagen absorbtion, and to mask the kindof gummy-flavor I notice). It works out to less than a dollar a day, and the refills are even cheaper.

Mine hair's not thin like you're describing, but it was always fine. And I had a super-short pixie going on for a while. These two things have definitely helped loads by reducing hair loss/breakage, and my hair just seems hella healthier, thicker/stronger, and has been growing like a weed.

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!

I've been keeping it simple! I use a glass bottle and fill mostly with jojoba oil then add a few drops of clove essential oil. I wish I could give you specifics but I go my smell - you don't want to use too much. I use this formula most days because it's good for acne/scars. Has really helped with my scarring! I made this after refusing to pay so much for this product: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001J78QNG/ref=redir_mdp_mobile?camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001J78QNG&linkCode=as2&redirect=true&ref_=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl&tag=empowesusten-20

I also use another formula that is jojoba oil and a few drops each of lavender, geranium, and carrot seed essential oils. This is good for acne and just feels/smells amazing!

I've been using both if these for about two years now :)

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.

I've tried making my own, but they love me too much. I wake up with 5-6 new bites when I don't coat myself in bug spray. I've been using Buzz Away Extreme, which was effective until recently when I started getting bit again at night even when coated in it. I've been unhappily resorting to DEET until I can find something clean that works, but so far no luck.

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.

Dr. Ohirra's Probiotic Soap. If you're prone to acne, this is the best product I've found, bar none. Taking probiotics internally (especially by the same manufacturer of this product) is a HUGE help.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0019JPEIY/ref=mp_s_a_1_10?qid=1374428440&sr=8-10&pi=AC_SX110_SY190

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.

I love Herbal Armor. I actually found it at Target last summer. It worked really well for me. I had one friend who's skin wasn't a fan and he was all itchy but.. that can happen with any skin product.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0016BFDN6/ref=redir_mdp_mobile

I've been using this for the past few months, and it's worked great for me. I can get two applications from one bag, and it's way cheaper and easier to use than the stuff from Lush.

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!)

Jason Beauty oil

Suki oil

Carribean Solutions. They are rated on EWG and I can speak from experience it's a quailty product. It's not going to make you DARK but if you're like me and rather pale, it will "take the edge off" and give you some color after about 2 days use. Hoep this helps!

http://www.amazon.com/IPSAB-Tooth-Powder-Peppermint-Ounce/dp/B001E77KOC

I've used this one and it was at my local whole foods.

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

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

Away go the perky citrus body washes, such as Thymes' Agave and
Hello Shikai Sandalwood:
http://www.amazon.com/Shikai-Sandalwood-Shower-12-Ounce-Bottle/dp/B001ET7EAU

Also, using Fresh Sake Dry Oil for moisturizing.

Edit for bad link