I recently shared with you guys My Sephora Must-Haves so I don’t want to have too much overlap between posts but I did want to tell you about the upcoming Sephora VIB Sale. If you have no idea what I am talking about, let me first tell you about the Sephora Beauty Insider Program.

The program features three tiers based on your yearly Sephora spending – Insider, which is free, VIB if you spend at least $350, and Rouge if you spend $1000 or more – with varying perks. Beauty Insiders earn 1 point to 1 dollar spent, VIB members earn 1.25 points for every dollar spent and Rouge members earn 1.5. There is also the Rewards Bazaar where there are multiple choices of rewards (generous sized deluxe sample) worth varying amounts of points. It is free to enrol in the Beauty Insider Program and you can do so in-store, online, or on the app.

Now that I’ve explain that, I will tell you that Sephora typically has two big sales throughout the year – one in the fall and one in the spring and they are called the Sephora VIB Sales. During the sale you are entitled to a certain percentage off your order total based on which tier of the Insider Program you are on. Beauty Insiders receive 10% off, VIBs receive 15% off, and Rouge members receive 20% off. I will list the discount codes and the dates each tier has to shop the sale at the bottom of this post, so keep reading to find out!

A lot of “beauty gurus” like to compile a list before each of the sales to share what they are planning to purchase during the sale. I haven’t decided yet if I will be shopping the sale as I just had a mini Sephora spree recently and grabbed the things I was really lusting after but I thought I would put up my wish list to share with you a few things that I think would be good to grab during the sale!

Skincare —

Farmacy The Mighties – A set of five super powered formulas featuring antioxidants and potent natural ingredients to nourish day and night for glowing, healthy looking skin. The only thing that I have tried from this brand is their cleansing balm (Green Clean, included in this kit) but I have always been drawn to their products. I love starter kits or kits of minis because they are a good chance to try a few different products for a value price before committing to the full size. (Retails for $58 CDN)

This set contains: 
– 0.4 oz/ 12 mL Green Clean makeup meltaway cleansing balm 
– 0.5 oz/ 15 mL Honey Drop lightweight moisturizer 
– 0.5 oz/ 15 mL Sleep Tight firming night balm 
– 0.5 oz/ 15 mL Honey Potion renewing antioxidant hydration mask 
– 0.03 oz/ 1 ml Dew It All total eye cream 

Herbivore Balance + Clarify Natural Skincare Mini Collection – A truly natural, skin perfecting kit that balances with blue tansy, floral waters, and green tea while clarifying with fruit acids, aloe, and willow. This set contains my ride-or-die Lapis oil that I have raved about in multiple posts and another favourite of mine, the Blue Tansy Mask. This brand is excellent and everything I’ve tried from them I’ve loved. (Retails for $62 CDN)

This set contains:
– 2 oz/ 60 mL Jasmine Green Tea Balancing Toner 
– 0.5 oz/ 14 mL Blue Tansy AHA + BHA Resurfacing Clarity Mask 
– 0.25 oz/ 8 mL Lapis Balancing Facial Oil 
– 0.3 oz/ 10 mL Prism Exfoliating Glow Potion

Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream –  A clean, cutting-edge formula with one percent vegan retinol and superfood-rich ingredients to diminish the look of fine lines, wrinkles, and sun damage.  Retinol and supportive peptides restore bounce, resilience, and clarity to skin while helping to even tone and texture without redness and irritation. Vitamin F and a curated blend of oils replenish lipids and moisture while antioxidant-packed ingredients defend against environmental stressors. This is a natural, clean retinol alternative and I have been really considering adding a retinol to my skincare routine! (Retails for $92 CDN)

Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels – Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels work intensively to help firm, de-puff, and reduce the premature visible wrinkling that accompanies a high-adrenaline lifestyle. Elastin helps to firm and tone, while peptides work to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, gingko biloba improves blood flow and helps reduce dark circles, and advanced antioxidants prevent future damage. I have been wanting to try some sort of eye gels or mask forever now and I think these would be a great option! (Retail for $18-$33 CND)

Hair Care —

Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Peppermint Oil Cooling Jelly Conditioner – An innovative jelly conditioner that combines peppermint, tea tree, and spearmint oils to calm the scalp with an invigorating cooling sensation, while binchotan charcoal helps absorb deep rooted impurities. I tried this conditioner when I had a deluxe sample and instantly fell in love with the cooling sensation it gives off. I actually had a migraine at the time when I used it and knowing that peppermint often helps I thought this may help too and it did! (Retails for $47 CDN)

Key benefits: 
– Soothes itchy, flaky scalp with an instant cooling sensation 
– Detoxifies and removes buildup from the scalp 
– Hydrates the scalp and hair with a lightweight formula 

Drybar Triple Sec 3-in-1 – Triple Sec 3-in-1 is the instant volume and texture refresher. Perfect for refreshing limp locks, it provides soft, matte texture for a perfectly-tousled look. It amplifies flat hair for intense volume and fullness, and absorbs light oils, leaving hair feeling fresh and clean. This product is a multitasker and works great as a dry shampoo; although it’s not an entirely “clean” product, it does not contain propane or butane (see my Empties post to learn more about that) so it’s still something I would use. (Retails for $16-$33 CND)

T3 Singlepass Curl 1.25″ Professional Ceramic Curling Iron – Digital SinglePass technology ensures even, optimal heat along the barrel, which is the secret to one-pass styling and long-lasting results without exposing hair to unnecessary heat. When heated, the unique T3 Tourmaline and ceramic styling surface emits negative ions that seal the cuticle, eliminate frizz, and deliver shiny results that last. I have been eyeing this curling iron for foreverrrrr but just can’t bring myself to drop the $200 on it; if you’re like me in that sense, the VIB sale would be a good time to save a little money on this highly raved about curling iron! (Retails for $200 CND)

Makeup —

Tatcha The Silk Canvas Protective Primer – This multitasking skin-protecting, makeup-perfecting primer is for face, eyes, and lips. Silk extracts feel nourishing on skin and diminish the look of pores, fines lines, and imperfections for the perfect canvas before makeup. Silk powder makes makeup glide on more evenly and last longer, minimizing excess shine with a soft focus finish. A protective layer derived from botanicals acts as a barrier between makeup and skin, helping to prevent clogged pores that can lead to breakouts. I have read SO many positive reviews for this primer that it’s hard not to want to pick it up! There is a mini size and the full size so there’s a couple of different options; personally I would probably grab the mini size just because I like to try things out before committing to the full size (and their prices). (Retails for $25-$63)

Lawless The One Eyeshadow Palette – A go-to palette for any occasion, with 18 gorgeous shades in a variety of finishes, ranging from staple neutrals to bold pops of color, all included in magnetic pans. In My Sephora Must-Haves I talk about my current favourite eyeshadow palette and I am not one to really have multiples but this palette caught my eye when it launched recently and I just think it’s so gorgeous. It is also certified clean and non-toxic so that’s a big plus too!! (Retails for $82 CND)

Too Faced Born This Way Super Coverage Multi-Use Sculpting Concealer – This hydrating, buildable, multitasking concealer masks imperfections, smooths, and sculpts skin for natural-looking coverage. It’s infused with coconut water, alpine rose, and hyaluronic acid—skin-loving ingredients that come together for crease-free, weightless wear that’s so naturally flawless they’ll think you were born this way. All of the products in the Born This Way range are very highly reviewed and this concealer is no different; I have been on the hunt for a new concealer for awhile now and I think this one is a great option! It also has the most product for the price in comparison to many other high end concealers. (Retails for $36 CND)

It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream With SPF 50+ – This color-correcting cream provides full, flawless coverage and protects skin with SPF 50+ UVA/UVB broad-spectrum physical sunscreen. It is clinically shown to increase hydration, smooth texture, and enhance brightness. I have used this product a few times over the years and each time I do I ask myself “why did I ever stop using this?!”; it has the lightweight feel of a BB or CC cream but has the BEST coverage. It melts right into the skin and doesn’t settle in any fine lines or creases. I usually set this product with a bit of powder as I tend to get oily throughout the day, but it does have great staying power. (Retails for $14-$49 CND)

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Setting Powder – This silky loose powder works all day to reduce shine and blur the look of pores, fines lines, and imperfections for a hyper-smooth filter that won’t flash black. Eight versatile shades melt into your unique skin tone, letting you set, perfect, and brighten without caking or settling. I recently picked this up in the shade Lavender and although I have not used it long enough to give a review, it truly is a gorgeous powder. The shade I bought is for brightening and is great to use under the eyes to set concealer; if you’re super fair like me you can even use it to set your whole face and it does not come off looking lavender whatsoever just very bright and blurred. There are 7 other shades in this powder as well so it can work for many different skin tones. (Retails for $23-$40 CND)

Urban Decay Perversion Mascara – Perversion glides on easily to instantly create sexy lashes. It has a creamy, full-bodied texture that is not too dry and not too wet to allow just the right amount of pull as it glides through lashes. This formula is not sticky or clumpy, and it contains Hairdensyl, a complex blend of proteins and amino acids that are known to stimulate lash growth. I’ve been wanting to try this mascara for a long time but just can’t ever seem to spend the money on it; I have found many drugstore mascaras that I love over the years that are much cheaper than this so I usually stick to those but this one does sound amazing! (Retails for $18-$31 CND)

Ellis Brooklyn Fawn Eau De Parfum – Like sun-warmed skin, a breeze of spring citrus, and the addictive milky tones of coconut, Fawn is inspired by coming of age novels—how memorable and lingering they are—and the sweet innocence and underlying sexuality of growing up. The notes of this fragrance are bergamot, coconut milk, and musk – yum!! I have had this on my “loves” list for a long time but have yet to grab it. The VIB Sale is the perfect time to grab those items that are a bit more expensive that you wouldn’t regularly want to spend the money on. I am a perfume junkie (well let’s face it, I am an all-things-beauty junkie really🤪) and would love to add this one to my collection! (Retails for $40-$110 CND)

Now here are the codes to get the discount – VIB Rouge can shop the sale from April 26th – May 6th and get 20% off with code HEYROUGE, VIB can shop the sale from May 2nd-May 6th and get 15% off with code HEYVIB, and Beauty Insider Members can shop the sale from May 2nd to May 6th and get 10% off with code HEYINSIDER.

Well folks, that about rounds up my wish list for the Sephora VIB Sale! What are you going to be picking up during the sale? I’d love to know what’s on your wish list! If you are wanting to grab any of these products or anything else from your own wish list, I suggest not waiting long because stuff sells out seriously FAST during this sale!!

Thanks for reading along beauties,

Britt✨

As promised, I am going to share a few beauty and fashion related trends that I am loving as well as a few that I don’t think I’ll be hopping on board with anytime soon. I always love when the seasons change and we get to see all the new fashion and beauty products that launch. I find that the Spring trends are usually a lot lighter, more fun, and really get you out of that winter slump that we all tend to get in. If you’re interested in reading my thoughts on upcoming Spring trends, keep reading!

First up – Spring Beauty Trends I’m Loving —

Sun-Kissed Skin – Less about heavily contoured and highlighted skin and more about a natural looking, bronzed glow. I have never been super on board with heavy contouring and much prefer a natural, glowy look (it also suits my fair skin much more) so I for one am on board with this trend! Two of my current favourites for bronzers are the Physician’s Formula Butter Bronzer & The Balm Take Home the Bronze Anti-Orange Bronzer.

Glossy Lips – Liquid lipstick has ruled the lip world for some time now, but as the weather warms up the focus is more on glossy lips with subtle colour and less on long wear lip colours. Liquid lipsticks are drying and often make the lips look smaller than they are while glosses give the illusion of plumper, more full lips. My favourite glosses in my collection currently are my Buxom Full-On Plumping Lip Cream Glosses in Lavender Cosmo & White Russian.

90s-Style Hair Accessories – I don’t know about you guys but I am here for the return of these nostalgic hair accessories. I have personally been back into scrunchies for a few months now and could not be more obsessed with them; I feel the add a little something extra to a otherwise plain bun or top knot and they’re just so dang cute! I started seeing more and more of the 90s-style hair clips popping up and have completely fallen in love with them; I recently decided to order myself some from Philocaly (www.philocalyhairextensions.com) and was beyond grateful when they offered to gift part of my order. The hair clips seen above are all from Philocaly and the lovely lady rocking them is a fellow blogger from Saskatchewan, Sare Bellamy (check out her blog – www.sarecity.com). The scrunchies above are from Urban Outfitters, but I ordered mine from Amazon and they are amazing; 20 scrunchies for $14.99!!🙀

Toned-down, Tamed Natural Brows – While eyebrows are still very much in, the trend of instagram-perfect brows is on it’s way out. I think that the eyebrows are sooo important in your beauty routine as they truly do frame the face; well groomed eyebrows make your eyes pop and give structure to the face. I personally will go out in public with little to no makeup on but no matter what I need to fill in my brows at least a little; my brows are super blonde and fine so I do fill them in but I love that the trend is moving away from dramatic, picture-perfect brows and more towards accentuating your natural brows. To achieve this look all you really need is some brow gel, but if you’re like me with super blonde brows you may still want to fill in a little in places! My two must have brow products are the Benefit Goof Proof Brow Pencil in Shade 01 Cool Light Blonde and the Essence Lash Brow Gel Mascara in Clear (seriously, you need this! It’s under $4 at Shoppers Drug Mart).

Brushed Out, Undone Waves – Many of the spring beauty trends are focused on “effortless” looks that, let’s face it, are not always so effortless. These waves however, are super easy to achieve no matter which way you choose to curl your hair. I use my flat iron to curl my hair and to achieve this look I would make sure that I left out the bottom inch to inch and a half of hair and run the flat iron very quickly through each section of hair; the longer you hold whatever hot tool you decide to use to the hair, the more defined and tight the curl will be. So in leaving out the bottoms and moving the iron quickly through, you will create a loose wave to begin with and then once it’s brushed out at the end it will look even more beachy and loose. You could use the same technique using a wand or a curling iron, just be sure to leave out the bottoms of the hair and brush out afterwards. To finish, I would spray the hair with a texture spray to create a bit more piecey texture and voila! “Effortless” brushed out waves!

Popsicle-Stained Pouts – I am a huge fan (and hoarder) of lip products of all kinds, but for some reason I have never really got on board with lip stains. This look is all about that natural, smudged out colour that comes from applying the lipstick or stain in the center of the lips and literally smudging it outwards creating a darker center and blurred edges. I love the look of this with the pink and think it could be done with just about any colour; if you choose to use a lip stain it would last on the lips forever so you wouldn’t have to worry about touching up your ultra-trendy lip look!

Lilac-Toned Hair – Colourful hair trends have definitely been on the rise over the past few years and I doubt we’re going to see them completely go away any time soon. Back in the day the only people you really saw with hair that was an unconventional colour were the “scene kids” who always seemed to be experimenting with those colours. Now it is much more mainstream to have hair that’s any colour of the rainbow whether it’s in streaks, all over, permanent, or temporary, it’s definitely been a trend recently. I have never been brave enough to take the plunge and stray too far from my blonde hair, but every once and awhile I “accidentally” leave my purple shampoo on a little too long and leave the shower with lavender-hued hair and I won’t lie to you…I love it!! I can’t see myself going lilac any time soon but I do love this fun trend. I have been using my Kevin Murphy Blonde Angel Wash & Treatment for quite some time and recently grabbed the dpHue Cool Blonde Shampoo & Conditioner on a whim at Winners after seeing it be raved about in the beauty community; I have’t used it long enough to give a real review but so far so good!

No Makeup – Makeup – As I said before, the upcoming trends for Spring are incorporating a lot of less-is-more looks and I am loving it. That’s not to say that a glam look isn’t still on trend but the overall aesthetic is seemingly being toned down. My go-to no-makeup-makeup-look is to use a bb cream or light coverage foundation all over the face (I use my Beautycounter Tint Skin Foundation or Pür Cosmetics 4-in-1 Mineral Foundation), apply a bit of bronzer or blush to warm up the face (I use my Nude by Nature Contour Palette), a coat of mascara, some brow gel (and a bit of filling in with pencil in my case), and lastly some gloss or lip balm. If you want to really make your eyes look awake and fresh, pop a little bit of a light coloured eyeshadow right in that inner corner of the eye to finish off the look.

Plant-Based Retinol Alternatives – Retinol is a form of vitamin-A and is part of the retinoid family; retinoids are the only class of skincare ingredients clinically proven by millions of studies to slow down your skin’s aging process by increasing collagen production and decreasing the breakdown of collagen. Retinoids are chemically formulated and can be quite irritating to the skin when first used and for that reason many are starting to search for more “green” alternatives to these wonder products. A few of the top plant-based retinol alternatives on the market are 1) Biossance Squalene + Phyto-Retinol Serum (retails for $95 at Sephora) 2) Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream (retails for $92 at Sephora) 3) Eminence Organics Bamboo Firming Fluid + Mangosteen Resurfacing Concentrate (retail for anywhere between $58-$64 per product; for my local girls head over to Fusion for your Eminence needs!). I don’t currently have a retinol in my skincare routine but am definitely open to adding one!

Streamlined Skincare Routines – Just as everything else seems to be getting toned down, skincare routines seem to be getting the same treatment. As a product junkie myself, I can say that I love having many different products to try out and have in my collection, but I do like the idea of simplifying skincare routines and products. I would rather have 3 or 4 products that actually work than a drawer full of various things that are hit and miss. I also think it makes skincare a lot less daunting and intimidating for those looking to get into a routine when you have just a few basic products instead of a 12-step routine. I’m looking forward to brands jumping on board with this trend and streamlining their products and possibly introducing some more user-friendly starter kits!

More Brands Will Follow the Clean, Honest Route – We’ve seen clean, green, and non-toxic beauty trends skyrocket over the last couple of years and it seems like there is no slowing down when it comes to this as we move forward. I got into clean beauty about a year ago and have since been on a journey to become an educated consumer when it comes to the products I use on my body and in my home. Our skin is our largest organ and what we put onto it gets directly absorbed through our pores; even things like cleaning products, laundry detergent, etc get absorbed so clean ingredients are beyond important. I think that it’s wonderful that more and more brands are becoming aware of how important it is to be honest and transparent with their consumers and to place importance on the ingredients they are putting into the products that they are marketing. I hope that this trend will continue to rise and that we will see a serious drop and eventually elimination of the harmful chemicals and toxins that are put into so many things we use on ourselves, our children, our pets, our homes, etc.

Now for a few Spring Beauty Trends that I’m Not Loving —

Glossy Lids – Imagining my eyes blinking and feeling that sticky, glossy texture on the skin as I do is enough to make me freak out…I don’t know if it’s just me but I am definitely not feeling this trend. While I do think it looks beautiful on this random model above, I feel like it’s basically putting lip gloss on your eye lids and that’s going to be a no from me.

Baby Bangs – Listen, I love bangs; always have, always will. This super trendy look really does suit some people and look adorable and edgy but it is something I don’t think I ever could or would rock. I feel like I would end up looking like a child who got ahold of some scissors and cut their own hair…it just would not be cute so I’m going to opt out on this one.

Here’s a few Spring Fashion Trends that I’m Loving —

90s Nostalgia Fashion – Paging Rachel Green…90s fashion has been back in a big way and it looks like this trend will continue into the spring. As someone who was a child in the 90s, I missed a lot of these looks and I think it’s cool that they’ve come back around (cool but also like…am I really that old that I’m witnessing fashion trends come back around??).

Leopard Print – This is another trend that I. Am. Here. For. I have been absolutely obsessed with all things leopard print lately and it seems like the rest of the world is too. I think it’s such a fun way to amp up an outfit but still keep it neutral with the colour tones of the print.

Head to Toe Neutrals – As the Dutchess of Sussex proves here, neutrals are back on trend and are anything but boring. We’ve seen lots of monochromatic trends come and go over the past few years and I am really liking the earth-toned, neutral colours that have been spotted everywhere lately.

Lastly, Some Spring Fashion Trends I’m Not Loving —

Biker Shorts – I don’t know what it is about biker shorts but I just can’t see myself actually purchasing and wearing a pair. We can thank Ms. Kardashian West for bringing this odd trend back around and I for one hope it doesn’t last long!🙈

Square-Toed Shoes – These are a part of 90s nostalgia that I am not a fan of. Whether it’s the fact that I remember wearing square toed shoes in the 90s or the fact that they’re outright hideous…this is a trend that I doubt I will be rocking anytime soon.

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I’m curious to know your thoughts, what trends are you loving? Do you disagree with me on any of the things I’m loving or not loving? As I’m writing this post and thinking about the trends that I’m not-so-into I can’t help but think to myself…”you will probably be eating your words when you do decide to throw some gloss on your lids or grab a pair of biker shorts”…that always seems to be the way I am with trends that seem a little too out there for me at first. I’ll be sure to fill you in if I decide to change my mind on any of theses trends so stay tuned!

Thanks so much for taking the time to read my post, I appreciate each and every one of you! Have a wonderful weekend beauties,

Britt✨

When I first started watching beauty YouTube videos about 10 or so years ago, “empties” videos were everywhere. I always loved watching them because I was curious to see what everyone was using but more so what they liked/didn’t like about the product and if they would repurchase it. So that’s what I’m going to do in this blog post is share with you some products that I have recently finished and let you know what I enjoyed and if I will be repurchasing it. Are you curious to see what I’ve been using? Keep reading below!

Tatcha The Rice Polish Foaming Enzyme Powder – A water-activated exfoliant of nourishing Japanese rice bran that transforms to a creamy foam for smooth, polished skin. This was a deluxe sample that I received from a Sephora order quite some time ago; you need very little of the product so it lasts for a long time. It is a very finely milled powder and you just shake a little bit into the palm of your hand, add warm water, and then apply to the skin in circular motions. I found this to be a very gentle exfoliant and my sensitive skin seemed to like it; however it retails at Sephora for $80 so I’m not sure that I will be purchasing the full size since I already have another exfoliator that I love (the Eminence Organics Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant).

Cake the ‘Do Gooder Volumizing Dry Shampoo – This lightweight formula with no sticky hairspray feel can be used to add volume to fine hair and lift flat hair. I got this dry shampoo in a monthly Ipsy bag a few months ago and never really used it until I recently went on a trip to Jamaica and needed a smaller dry shampoo to pack. This dry shampoo has a very strong vanilla type scent that I found to be very overpowering; it did a decent job at adding volume to my fine hair but the smell is hard to get past. Also for those of you who don’t know, in almost all aerosol type dry shampoos the first few ingredients are butane, isobutane, propane, or some combination of two or more. I was never aware that those ingredients were even in dry shampoo let alone that they were the first ingredients. Once I learned that I started reading the ingredients on every dry shampoo and have found very few that do not contain them; now I don’t know about you but I don’t feel super great about spraying propane & butane onto my hair everyday. So with a combination of the overwhelmingly strong scent and the toxic ingredients, I will not be purchasing the full size of this product.

Dove Refresh + Care Volume Dry Shampoo – This dry shampoo refreshes your hair using ingredients that absorb excess oil and then brush easily out of your hair, leaving it looking clean and feeling soft. I have used different variations of Dove dry shampoos over the years and have found them to be good basic, affordable options. However, for the reason stated above (hello…propane & butane) I likely wouldn’t repurchase this one and I have been on the hunt for a dry shampoo without those toxic ingredients.

Method Body Wash – Its naturally derived formula that features a trio of wholesome ingredients to leave skin feeling clean and soft while our nature-inspired fragrances colour your mood. Method is a cruelty-free, vegan brand and their products contain no parabens, phthalates, triclosan, or EDTA; the bottle is also made with 68% recycled plastic. I picked this body wash up at Shoppers Drug Mart while on the search for a non-toxic formula. I have used method cleaning products in the past and appreciate their brand philosophy and ingredient call-outs so I thought I would try this out. I am obsessed with anything coconut scented and this body wash did not disappoint; the scent is light but smells delicious. I found this body wash to be quite moisturizing and I really did enjoy using it, I will likely repurchase it either in this scent or try another of their scents.

Too Faced Hangover 3-in-1 Replenishing Primer & Setting Spray – A weightless, three-in-one coconut water-infused mist that primes, sets, and refreshes makeup while it helps keep the skin hydrated. I got this spray in a limited edition set from Sephora that also included a Beauty Blender; I honestly did not find this spray to be anything special and if anything I actually found that it dried my skin out a bit. It has a light coconut scent to it that I did enjoy but overall I didn’t really like the product, I won’t be repurchasing.

Kevin Murphy Blonde Angel Wash & Treatment – You can read all about these products here (Haircare Favs.) – I don’t want to be repeating myself so just go ahead and check out that post if you curious to know what these products are all about. I will tell you though that I definitely be repurchasing them!

Beautycounter Touchup Concealer Pen in Fair – I tell you a little bit about this concealer here 5 Minute Face – head on over to that post for details about this product. As for what I liked, I thought this concealer had decent coverage…it was a little more on the lighter end of the scale than I would prefer though. I only ever used it under my eyes to combat dark circles and it did do a good job at that. I love that Beautycounter products are clean & non-toxic and will likely purchase other products from them in the future to try out. However, I’m not sure that I would repurchase this specific product because in using it every day it only lasted me maybe a month and at $40 + tax I was a little bit disappointed in that.

Essence Lash Princess Mascaras – Check out my 5 Minute Face post to read more details about this mascara. I have here two variations from the same range of Lash Princess mascaras; I have purchased the green & black one over and over throughout the years and love it, the purple and black I have only purchased once and probably won’t get again. Both of these mascaras retail at Shoppers Drug Mart for under $5 (what!!) and are amazing at giving voluminous, separated lashes. I personally prefer the green & black bottle as it has a straight wand, the purple & black has a curved wand. I did not notice a difference in formula between the two and will continue to repurchase the green & black bottle.

This Works Beauty Sleep Kit – Read all about these in the My Sephora Must-Haves post (the link wouldn’t work but it’s my most recent post below this one). This little set is perfect for travel and if you have a hard time sleeping away from home I definitely recommend grabbing them – the lavender & chamomile blends do a great job at relaxing you and helping you get a good night’s rest. I will likely pick this duo up again at some point from Sephora.

Cocokind Organic Facial Cleansing Oil – Go check out My Current Skincare Favourites to hear me rave all about this product & brand. I have repurchased this three times I believe and will definitely repurchase again. It’s a great non-toxic, affordable, drug-store cleansing oil.

Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm – An award-winning makeup remover and face cleanser in one that instantly melts virtually all makeup, leaving skin hydrated and silky smooth. I received this cleansing balm as a deluxe Sample from a Sephora order and was excited to try it out. It has a light, fresh scent and the texture is very buttery and soft; it really does melt into the creamiest cleanser and does a wonderful job at removing makeup and leaves your skin feeling clean, soft, and hydrated. I am currently using a Physician’s Formula cleansing balm that I recently picked up and it is actually quite comparable to this one; I may consider purchasing the full size of the Farmacy Cleansing Balm once I have used up my PF one.

Eminence Organics Clear Skin Probiotic Masque – The clear solution for problem skin; attain the appearance of a radiant, clear complexion thanks to cooling cucumber tones and refining yogurt, which exfoliates and eliminates the appearance of blemishes. I purchased this mask in the Clear Skin Starter Set and would probably say that it was my favourite product in the set. It is cooling and soothing on the skin and really made a big difference for me when I was fighting a breakout. I didn’t use this as a mask though, I would put a dime sized amount in my hand, spray some Caudalie Grape Water into it to thin it out, and then apply it to my face as an overnight treatment. I will definitely be purchasing the full size of this product at some point!

Young Living Essential Oils in Lavender & Lemon – As I said in a previous post, in recent years I have become a big fan of using essential oils; there are so many different ways that you can use each oil and I have found them to be helpful in many different situations over the years. Lavender was one oil that I always said I could not stand the scent of and until recently did not even have it in my collection. I went through a phase of having some trouble sleeping and a friend recommended putting lavender on the bottoms of my feet before bed; whether you believe in the effectiveness of essential oils or think it’s all just in your mind…whatever the case this really, truly worked for me! Whenever I am having trouble sleeping I still do this and it works every time; the lavender scent relaxes me and allows me to shut off my mind and get to sleep. The Lemon essential oil is one that I just always like to have on hand; it’s great to diffuse to freshen any space and you can also use it in your day to day household cleaning. I have already repurchased lavender as it seems to have become one I can’t go without and will likely be grabbing another lemon sometime soon!

Tiber River Eucalyptus Essential Oil – Smells like mint and pine had a baby with a hint of subtle sweetness. I have used quite a few of Tiber River’s essential oils and have to say I am quite impressed with their quality as well as their pricing (this oil is $20). This is not an oil that I diffuse for the scent but rather for it’s healing & soothing properties. Whenever I have a cold or am feeling sniffly (which is often – I do work with tiny humans) I put this in my diffuser with some peppermint and sometimes add lavender and it does a great job at clearing my snuffy nose and helping me to breath better. I will definitely be repurchasing this oil, it really does come in handy!

Eminence Organics Rosehip Whip Moisturizer – Rosehip is known for toning, soothing, and regulation the complexion. Combined with the moisturizing power of carrot, this moisturizer will help improve the appearance of sensitive and over-reactive skin. I picked this moisturizer up probably about 9 months ago and just recently came to the bottom of the container. Eminence products are super concentrated so what I do with most of them is mix in a little water or Caudalie Grape Water to thin them out which helps them to apply better, absorb better, and last a lot longer. This moisturizer is amazing for my sensitive skin and does a great job at soothing my skin and keeping it hydrated but it does not feel heavy whatsoever. I always like to try out new moisturizers and skincare products in general so whether I repurchase this right away or try something new, I know that the Rosehip Whip will definitely be one that I come back to again.

Well that’s it for my recent empties…I hope that you enjoyed reading about everything I’ve been using as much as I always do when other’s share their empties. My Sunday has been filled with coffee, a visit with my BFF & goddaughter, grocery shopping, meal planning, and blog writing in my pjs. I am off to enjoy the rest of my day, I hope you all enjoy yours as well!

See you in my next post beauties; stay tuned for Spring Trends I’m Loving coming sometime this week!

Britt✨

Over the years I’ve been told variations of the same statement, “I don’t know how you shop at Sephora, I find it so overwhelming! Where do you even start?” So I’ve decided to put together a little list of the things that I have purchased and repurchased over the years from Sephora and that I think are worth it for any makeup or skincare lover to grab. If you’re interested in checking out some of my favourites from Sephora, keep reading below!

MAC Cosmetics Lipstick in the shade Blankety – Pinky, beige toned nudes are my everything when it comes to lip colours; I own about 25 lip products that are all some varying degree of pinky-nude. I discovered this shade randomly years ago at a MAC counter and have been in love with it ever since. I feel like this shade would be super flattering on many skin tones and the formula is amazing, the lipstick is creamy and glides on but also stays put for a decently long time (it’s no liquid lipstick but still great staying power). If you are in the market for a great nude lip colour, or are like me and buy the same shade over and over (but love them all individually) I recommend checking this one out! Retails at Sephora for $23.

Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask – I did write about this mask in My Current Skincare Favourites so you can head over there for some more details! It’s super moisturizing and really makes your skin feel nourished. I purchased a mini version of the mask that came in a set and will definitely be purchasing the full size when I am out! Retails at Sephora for $59.

This Works Beauty Sleep Kit – This duo of award-winning, travel-sized solutions for a good night’s sleep are definitely worth grabbing! I started getting into essential oils a few years ago after being a skeptic for a long time; I now have quite the collection of them and even carry a few with me everywhere I go (Saje’s Pocket Pharmacy…it’s the best!!). I picked up this little kit while waiting in the check out line at Sephora – that’s where they really get you, so many adorable mini sized products that you just can’t resist. I take these with me when I travel but also use them frequently at home; they smell amazing and really do a great job at relaxing me once I’ve crawled into bed. Retails at Sephora for $15.

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask – If you have not heard of this lip mask before, it is raved about by reviewers on the Sephora site as well as people all over the internet and social media. It is a thick, creamy lip balm that hydrates and moisturizes the lips and it does such an amazing job; it was a life saver for me all winter dealing with our beyond-frosty Canadian temps. I use this lip mask not just at night but any time throughout the day when my lips are feeling dry, cracked, or are needing some extra hydration. Retails at Sephora for $24.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Eye Shadow Palette – This palette is one of two eye shadow palettes that I own; I have never been big into creating intense eye looks and I find that this palette really has all of the shades that I need for day to night. It has 14 shades all together, 6 shimmers and 8 mattes. My “go to” look with this palette is to first put Tempera all over my lid & up to my brow to create an even canvas, then Dusty Rose in the crease, using my finger or a damped brush (it makes the shimmer more intense) I put Sultry on the outer corner to the middle of my eye and then using the same technique I add either Glistening or Fairy to the inner corner. I often use a damped liner brush and the shade Noir as my liner as well – this palette has it all! Retails at Sephora for $55. 

The Ordinary Lactid Acid 10% + HA 2% – This formulation offers mild chemical exfoliation for smoother skin and also reduces the signs of inflammation and sensitivity usually associated with exfoliation. Have you ever heard of or used Sunday Riley’s Good Genes lactic treatment? It has a cult following and for good reason, it does an amazing job at exfoliating the skin leaving you with a glowing, smooth complexion. I have used Good Genes and loved it, however it retails for $135 at Sephora, this treatment by The Ordinary retails at Sephora for $6.70 (!!) and works just as well.

Drunk Elephant Rise + Glow Duo – This duo was the first thing I ever tried from Drunk Elephant and I was definitely impressed. I knew that I wanted to incorporate a vitamin c serum into my routine and after a lot of research I settled on this one. This little travel sized duo contains all the B & C vitamins that your skin needs to be quenched and glowing and lasts me about a month and a half. I use less than a dime-sized amount of each and mix them together then press them into my skin; it is actually insane the difference it makes using vitamin c in your skincare routine! I noticed within a few days that my skin was brighter, any dark spots were fading, and my overall complexion just looked brighter. This duo retails at Sephora for $29 ($38 value). 

Sephora Favourites Kits – I have purchased many of these kits over the years and for the most part have loved them all. Sometimes there is a product or two that I don’t like but usually I enjoy and use all of the products in the kit. There are various themes for the kits, some are for eye products, skincare, hair care, and some have a variety (those are usually the ones I like best). They are a great way to try out lots of products at once without committing to buying the full-priced item and they do come with decent sized products. The kits usually range in price anywhere from $25-$96 depending on which one you choose. This kit retails at Sephora for $36 ($97 value). 

Caudalie Grape Water – This spray is a favourite among makeup artists as it provides an instant shot of hydration and reduces sensitivity. I ordered this spray on a whim after hearing so much about it from the beauty community and I can honestly say that I love it. I use it to tone, refresh, or even to set my makeup – it is a very versatile product. Retails at Sephora for $14.

Herbivore Lapis Facial Oil – I shared all about this product in My Current Skincare Favourites – go check out that post to get the details! This oil is fantastic at balancing the skin and combating anything and every thing that may be going on. It is a bit of a splurge, but I have had my bottle for ages and it is still just as effective as when I first bought it and I reach for it frequently. Retails at Sephora for $90.

Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup – This foundation is an eight-hour wear, liquid makeup that neutralizes redness and blends away blemishes. I have gone through multiple containers of this foundation over the years and it is something I always go back to when my skin seems to be freaking out. It really does a great job at covering any redness and covering blemishes without being too thick or cakey. It is a bit drying though, so if you already have dry skin you may want to steer clear of this one. Retails at Sephora for $37. 

Buxom Full-On Plumping Lip Cream Gloss – I have the shades White Russian and Lavender Cosmo in this gloss and legit use one or the other almost every single day. It is glossy without being too sticky and also feels hydrating on the lips. It provides the perfect amount of subtle colour and shine and is over all just a great gloss to have in your collection. Retails at Sephora for $24.

Sephora has so many products that I completely understand how people find it overwhelming to shop there, but there are definitely things that are worth picking up and not everything is crazily priced. I know others may have things that they consider must-haves that aren’t on my list but these are just my own personal favourites. Any time I have gone into a Sephora, the staff is super helpful and friendly but I generally do prefer shopping online or through the app so that I can take my time (and sip on a coffee in my pjs!) while shopping.

What are your must-haves from Sephora? Are you going to pickup any of the products I listed above?

Thanks for reading,

Britt✨

I was introduced to Kevin Murphy products a few years ago when I began going to a local salon that carried them; I purchased the Angel Wash & Rinse that day and have been obsessed with all Kevin Murphy products ever since. I don’t currently have the Angel Wash & Rinse in my routine as I have switched to a couple of other lines, but I would still use both of those in a heart beat! All of Kevin Murphy’s products are sulphate, paraben, and cruelty-free. My hair is naturally a dirty blonde colour and over the years I have had it all variations of blonde – super bleach blonde to the root, highlights & low lights, went brunette for a minute, and now for the past couple of years have been sticking to the balayage technique. I get my hair done about once every 6 or so months and my hairdresser hand paints sections of hair using bleach and then tones it with a cool based toner. In between hair appointments all I do is make sure I am regularly using a purple shampoo and conditioner and that is 100% what makes it possible for me to go so long in between. My hair is naturally pin straight and very fine, I have a ton of hair but you’d never know it because of how fine it is.

Now that I’ve told you a little bit about my hair type, let’s dive in to what I currently use in my hair care routine…

Blonde Angel Wash & Treatment – These lavender-infused, colour enhancing products take on all tones and with the help of added optical brighteners rescues dull colour. They are richly formulated to help counteract brassy tones, helps maintain cooler tones, and helps to prevent colour-stripping. First off I’ll start by telling you that all Kevin Murphy products smell amazing and these two are no different. But not only do they smell amazing, they are so so good at toning the brassy tones out of blonde hair. I wash my hair 2-3 times a week and I use these products every other wash to maintain a cooler tone to my naturally warmer toned blonde hair. This wash & treatment also make my hair so incredibly soft to the point that I can’t stop touching my hair after using them. If you have blonde or grey hair and are looking to maintain that cool tone I highly recommend both of these products!

Plumping Wash & Rinse – Created to nourish every strand from root to tip, fine and ageing hair will transform into stronger, fuller-looking locks with renewed strength and vitality. These products stimulate the circulation int he scalp while nourishing the hair follicles and thicken without weighing the hair down. As I said above, I had been using the Angel Wash & Rinse for quite awhile before deciding to try something new. The Angel Wash & Rinse are also great for fine, damaged hair but the plumping aspect of these two are what intrigued me. They really do provide weightless volume without making your hair feel stripped or like there is any residue left after washing and I feel like they have definitely made a big difference in the overall texture and quality of my hair. If you already have quite thick or course hair I probably wouldn’t recommend these two specifically because they really do plump the hair quite a bit.

Untangled Leave-In Conditioner & Detangler – This leave-in is formulated with a complex blend of nourishing Australian Fruit Extracts that help detangle, strengthen and restore hair to sleek perfection. Added heat protection also helps guard against damage. This is one product that I have purchased numerous times since being introduced to this brand of haircare products because to put it simply, I just can’t seem to live without it (first world problems 100%). It is lightweight enough that you barely notice you’ve applied anything to your hair, but it really makes a world of difference. Whether I am air drying my hair or blow drying & heat styling, I use this product every single time I wash my hair. I purchased this leave-in as well as the oil, that I will tell you more about below, when I was very frustrated with the condition of my hair; it was breaking constantly and honest to god did not seem to grow for about 4 years. When I started using this leave-in together with the oil all of the sudden my hair condition improved drastically and I was having less breakage and my hair finally started to grow again. So in my mind there’s no way that those effects were coincidental and for that reason I will always have this product in my routine.

Young Again Immortelle Infused Treatment Oil – The ultimate daily indulgence for damaged and ageing hair – Young Again is a weightless leave-in treatment oil. This oil delivers deep conditioning benefits that leave hair feeling soft and smooth with an overall boost to shine. Use daily to fight the fight against hair ageing and to provide protection against environmental stressors and heat damage. As I said above, I started using this oil along with the Untangled leave-in conditioner when my hair was in rough shape and these two products completely transformed my hair. I now have little to no split ends and my hair looks and feels so much healthier. I use this every time I wash my hair and I feel it does an amazing job of locking in moisture and repairing damage at the same time. This oil is also super light-weight so it doesn’t leave your hair feeling greasy or heavy, just leaves it feeling nourished and healthy. If you are in the market for a new hair oil or are struggling with breakage/damage I highly recommend this oil…you won’t regret it!

Shimmer Me Blonde – This repairing shine treatment, with colour enhancers and optical brighteners, adds brilliant shimmer and radiant shine to highlighted, blonde, or grey shades. It adds elasticity and moisture while delivering magnificent shine. My hair stylist used this product on my hair after she finished styling it one time and of course it smelled unreal (I know, broken record with the smell but it really is amazing) but it also gave my hair the prettiest, most subtle shimmer and I just couldn’t resist purchasing a bottle for myself. It really is a unique product, it’s not just a typical shine spray; before using they recommend you do not shake the bottle but roll it back and forth to distribute the finely milled shimmer evenly. I personally love the texture of this spray, it is like a light-weight sprayable oil so it doesn’t feel like it’s just a finishing product to add some shine at the end, it feels like it’s actually nourishing your hair. Kevin Murphy does carry another shimmer spray that is more golden in colour but this one is specifically formulated for blondes with its purple toned reflects. It’s a product that I wouldn’t say is a must-have but it is definitely a luxurious little pick-me-up to add to your routine!

I have used multiple other Kevin Murphy products over the years and have honestly never had a bad experience with a single one. I have used the Hair Resort Spray as well as the Texturizer (both great for creating beachy waves, even in my pin straight hair) and also really love using the Maxi Wash once a week (detoxifying shampoo that purifies the hair & scalp) to get rid of all the dry shampoo & product buildup. I am super picky when it comes to hair products so the fact that I love this entire brand so much really speaks to the quality and effectiveness of their products. If you are in Swift Current and interested in trying out any of these products, Urban Roots exclusively carries Kevin Murphy (they have minis of many of the best sellers if you don’t want to commit to the full product just yet).

What are your must-have hair products? Do you have any recommendations for me?

Thanks for reading along beauties, until next time…

Britt✨

In My Current Skincare Favourites blog post I talked briefly about cleansers but didn’t go into too much detail so this post will be all about the different formulas of cleansers available and what I personally prefer to use. I’ve had multiple requests from my Instagram beauties to share what I use to cleanse my face, so here goes!

Micellar Water + Washable Cotton Rounds – (Currently using the Garnier Skinactive Micellar Water for Dry + Sensitive Skin) I have been using micellar water to remove my makeup and cleanse my skin for years now. It is a combination of purified water, hydrating ingredients (like glycerin) and low concentrations of mild surfactants. The molecules of those mild surfactants group together to form microscopic spheres called micelles, which act like magnets for dirt and oil. Micellar water is a super gentle yet effective way to remove makeup and/or cleanse the skin. On a regular day when I am wearing minimal makeup, I will just use micellar water on one of my washable cotton rounds to cleanse and don’t use an actual cleanser and water. If I am wearing heavier makeup or want a deeper clean, I remove my makeup with the micellar water and then double-cleanse using my Eminence Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser. Micellar water is great for all skin types and you can get variations more targeted for your specific needs as well (dry skin/combination/sensitive/oily). I also use micellar water or my toner on a washable cotton round in the morning instead of cleansing my face as I feel that’s what works best for my skin. I purchased these washable cotton rounds on amazon and am loving them so far! They even come with their own little mesh bag so you can put them in there and throw them in the washing machine.

Cleansing Oil – (Currently using the Cocokind Organic Facial Cleansing Oil) Once I discovered this product a few months back, it has really been all I’ve been using at night to cleanse my face. In the winter months my skin was extremely dry…like drier than it’s ever been (is that a thing that happens when you’re almost 30??) so I went looking for something that could cleanse my skin but moisturize it at the same time. I put about 4 pumps of the cleansing oil into my hand, rub my hands together to warm the product up, then working in circles I massage it into my face. After I’ve gone over all areas of my face I wipe everything off using a warm, damp washcloth. It is great at removing all of my makeup but not leaving my skin feeling dry or stripped. Most nights I only used this and then moved on to the rest of my skincare routine but if I was having a breakout or needed a deeper cleanse I used my Eminence cleanser afterward. If you want a more in depth description of this product, go ahead and check out My Current Skincare Favourites blog post.

Cleansing Balm – (Currently using the Physician’s Formula The Perfect Matcha 3-in-1 Melting Cleansing Balm) I used my first cleansing balm a few years back and instantly fell in love with the way it left my skin feeling. I would say if you have normal to combination skin, a cleansing balm would be your better bet rather than a cleansing oil which is more targeted to drier skin types. This cleansing balm smells so fresh and has a great texture; I scoop out a nickel sized amount with the little spatula that comes with it, rub it in my hands to warm up the product (it turns into a milky oil-like texture when warmed), and then massage it into my face. After I’ve gone over all areas of my face I wipe everything off with a warm, damp washcloth. This balm removes all makeup, including water proof mascara and liquid lipstick. As I said above, unless I am wearing heavier makeup, I don’t usually double-cleanse I just use the cleansing balm.

Cleanser – (Currently using the Eminence Organics Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser) This clarifying cream-gel cleanser cools and balances the skin with cucumber and tea tree oil and reduces the visible signs of problem skin and breakouts with almond milk and yogurt. I only have the travel size version of this cleanser that I got in a Clear Skin Kit, but you really only need to use a dime sized amount so it has lasted me quite a long time. As I said above, more often than not I do not use a cleanser every day; if I am dealing with any breakouts or pimples I will add this cleanser into my routine and do a double-cleanse to make sure my pores are nice and clean. This cleanser is amazing at clarifying the skin without making it feel stripped or dry and the cooling sensation feels so wonderful. Over the past year or so my skin has really started to change and I feel a little bit like I am going through puberty all over again (did anyone else experience this as the neared their 30s or is it just me??). Even as a teenager I did not really deal with acne, just had the odd pimple here and there, but recently my skin seems to freak out no matter what I do so this cleanser has really been great at combating any breakouts that I get. Eminence has an entire “Clear Skin” line, so if you are in the market for something to target breakouts I highly recommend it!

What is Double-Cleansing and When Should You Do It? Double-cleansing refers to the idea where you first remove makeup, skincare products from the night before, sweat, etc using a cleansing balm, oil, or micellar water before using an actual cleanser on your face. If you are dealing with lots of breakouts or clogged pores I would definitely suggest working double-cleansing into your skincare routine. Anyone who wears makeup should for sure be removing it with something other than their cleanser otherwise it doesn’t allow the cleanser to truly do it’s job. For example, my Clear Skin Cleanser is targeted for blemish prone skin; if I were to just use that even though I was wearing a full face of makeup, it would mainly just be taking my makeup off and not actually getting into my pores to clean them. Does that make sense? You can’t fully cleanse your skin if there’s a layer of makeup over top that needs to be removed first. Double-cleansing is good for any skin type, you just have to properly select products based around your personal needs.

What is your current cleansing routine? Are you a fan of double-cleansing? If you have any questions or need some product recommendations I would be happy to help! I have been researching and trying out different types of cleansers since I was about 14 years old so I definitely have some knowledge on what works and what doesn’t; if you are feeling a little lost, let me take the guess work out of it for you!

Thanks for reading along beauties, catch ya next time!

Britt✨

I started paying closer attention to the ingredients in my makeup and skincare about a year ago because it seemed to be such a topic of discussion in the beauty world. I would consider myself someone who likes to know things – I have a lot of random knowledge floating around in my head because I’ll hear about something that I don’t know much about and that in turn makes me do my research; that’s what happened with this subject.

My BFF Anna became a Tiber River Consultant awhile ago and that sort of kickstarted my curiosity into the world of clean & non-toxic. All of Tiber River’s products are hand-made in Winnipeg, Manitoba and are made free from mineral oil, parabens, palm oil, and cocomide DEA; they are not tested on animals and use absolutely no fillers. They create and sell products for the home, body care, hair care, skincare, and a few other odds and ends. After trying out many of their products and loving them it made me really want to learn more about what goes into making all of these products that I regularly put on my body or use in my home.

Some companies use scare tactics to try and sell their clean & non-toxic products by telling you that the ingredients in their competitors products may cause cancer along with many other ailments and diseases. I for one do not like to be scared into anything, I would much prefer to educate myself on what’s safe and what isn’t and use products with ingredients that I can understand and recognize. You may not know this (I sure didn’t) but there is very little government regulation when it comes to the cosmetic industry; the average woman uses up to 12 products per day containing more than 160 unique ingredients, many of which contain endocrine disrupters which can affect hormonal balance and fertility.

We are exposed to so many chemicals each day that we have little to no control over – car exhaust, pesticides, plastics, and many more environmental factors. Cosmetics and personal care items are things that we can and should take control of; that doesn’t necessarily mean that choosing something that is “organic” or “natural” is the answer though unfortunately. In order to choose safer products it means you have to find companies that are transparent with their ingredients and committed to the safety testing of their products (thankfully, there are more and more companies taking on this initiative).

Below I am going to briefly summarize the top 10 potentially harmful ingredients to avoid in cosmetics and personal care items:

1. Parabens – even if you know little to nothing about the clean beauty world, you’ve likely heard this word a time or two. Parabens are preservatives found in everything from makeup to soap to lotion, you name it. Parabens are endocrine disrupters meaning they mimic estrogen in the body and can cause hormone imbalances and lead to infertility. Words like “methylparaben”, “proplyparaben” or “isobutylparaben” on products should be avoided.

2. Artificial Fragrance (Parfum) – so many skincare and cosmetic items contain artificial fragrances; manufacturers aren’t required to specify what’s actually in their fragrances so you will simply see “artificial fragrance” or “parfum” when it is likely a cocktail of multiple other chemicals.

3. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate/Sodium Laureth Sulfate – these are foaming agents found in many personal care and cosmetic products including shampoo and toothpaste. They are known to cause skin irritants and trigger allergies.

4. Toluene – this is often found in nail polish and hair dyes and can be toxic to the immune system and may also cause birth defects. If you are pregnant you should be especially careful and avoid products containing this chemical entirely.

5. Phthalates – these are added to plastic to keep it from becoming brittle; they are used in cosmetics, specifically fragrances. Some forms of this that you would see on an ingredient list are DBP, DEHP, DEP, as well as some others. Just like parabens, they are endocrine disrupters and can cause hormonal & reproductive problems.

6. Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) – this is used in many types of cosmetics as a thickener, particularly in lotions, shampoos, and sunscreen. PEG is often contaminated with other chemicals that are known carcinogens.

7. Formaldehyde – this is used as a preservative in cosmetics. It is a known carcinogen that is linked to asthma, neurotoxicity, and developmental toxicity.

8. Oxybenzone – sunscreens come in two forms: chemical and mineral filters. The most common sunscreens on the market use chemical filters such as oxybenzone. Oxybenzone is a known endocrine disruptor and can alter thyroid function; it is also linked to skin allergies.

9. Diethanolamine – this is another foaming agent; it’s a known carcinogen and respiratory toxin. You will see it abbreviated as DEA on cosmetic labels.

10. Triclosan – this is an antibacterial agent once used in soaps; it was banned from soap in 2016 due to it’s contribution to antibiotic resistant bacteria but it is still allowed to be used in cosmetic products.

If you’ve made it to the end of this list and are feeling overwhelmed and confused, don’t worry, you are not alone. Could I recite each of those chemicals off the top of my head? Absolutely not (I can’t even say half of them). So what I do rather than worrying about having to look for all of these long crazy words that I don’t even understand is simple; I look for products from brands that I know I can trust with ingredients that I can understand (trust me, it’s easier that way). While the majority of my skincare, makeup, and personal use products are considered to be clean & non-toxic, I do still have products that aren’t and I am okay with that. I am doing my best to keep myself educated and aware and for me that’s enough for now. I am not out here to scare anyone or pressure you into ditching any of the current products you are using, I am just here to share with you some of what I have learned over the past year or so. If you are at all interested in knowing what’s in your products, I highly recommend downloading the “Think Dirty” app on your phone. You can type in or scan thousands of products within their data base and it tells you on a rating scale of 1-10 how safe the product is, it was very helpful for me when I was first starting out with clean products!

A few clean brands that I have been loving are:

– Cocokind Skincare

– Eminence Organic Skincare

– Pür Cosmetics

– Nude by Nature Cosmetics

– RMS Beauty

– Herbivore Botanicals (skincare)

– Tiber River (cosmetics, skincare, body care, home cleaning)

– Method (personal & home products)

– Beautycounter (skincare, cosmetics)

– Physician’s Formula Cosmetics

What are your thoughts on clean beauty? Do you have any product recommendations for me? I am always interested to know who else is on this journey to “clean” and what brought you there, so please feel free to share! I have been getting some wonderful feedback from my blog…please keep it up!!

Thanks for reading along beauties,

Britt✨

*Some of the information I used in this post is sourced from the article below –

10 Harmful (But Common) Ingredients in Makeup and Skincare Products. (2019, January 06). Retrieved March 27, 2019, from https://coconutsandkettlebells.com/10-harmful-ingredients-makeup-skincare-products/