Personal care
Please note: if you purchase items through the links on this page, in some cases I may receive a small referral commission (though your price is the same).
Green Mountain Shave Soap comes in various scents as well as unscented, however, no synthetic fragrances are used, only essential oils. It is colorant, preservative, paraben, and gluten-free with a high animal fat content to produce a good lather.
My husband transitioned to clean shaving about 5 years ago and has never looked back. The brush set he uses is not available, but this da Vinci shaving brush has a Kebony wood handle – a sustainably sourced softwood that has undergone an eco-friendly treatment. For a more economical option, you can try this solid wood handle brush, stand, and shaving bowl set that comes with a lifetime warranty. The Merkur safety razor is stainless steel, made in Germany, and you can get 10 blades for less than $10! Since you’re only disposing of the thin blade, much less waste ends up in the landfill (Tip: Check if your local recycler accepts used blades or drop them off at a scrap-metal recycler). **Note: I try only to recommend items my family has personally used, but since some items we use aren’t available, I’m making an exception in this category and will look forward to your feedback.
You can use castor oil externally on your hair, eyelashes, and eyebrows to promote growth and hydration; on your skin for hydration, purification, and regeneration; on your nails to strengthen them and condition the cuticles; and for therapeutic castor oil packs (with wool flannel and a hot water bottle – 100% natural rubber or eco thermoplastic for those with rubber/latex sensitivities) for a variety of health issues. When using castor oil internally for constipation or to induce labor, the USP or pharmaceutical grade should be utilized.
A detox bath with epsom salt (4lbs or 19lbs) or magnesium flakes has the potential to both improve your body’s detoxification pathways and help resolve both sulfur and magnesium deficiencies – two serious nutritional deficiencies experienced by the vast majority of people. Magnesium is considered to help improve sleep and skin, relieve sore muscles, calm nerves and anxiety, and relieve muscle aches and spasms amongst other things.
Stimulate the skin and lymphatic system by increasing blood flow with dry brushing.
My personal favorites are the Gabriel Dual Powder Foundation (which I prefer to apply with a brush), Jane Iredale PureBrow Clear Gel (which I use for both my eyebrows and as a clear mascara), Jane Iredale Lip Stain (I have all 3 colors – Forever Pink, Red, Peach), and Éminence Mineral Illuminator.
Sibu Sea Berry Therapy Polishing Facial Cleanser is the new formulation of the old version I have used (Sibu Sea Buckthorn Balancing Facial Cleanser). It contains sea buckthorn oil, which for some, may provide relief from rosacea symptoms.
