Cleansing Favorites | July 2014

Once upon a time, I used a wonderful and effective oil cleanser. The more I learned about animal testing and product ingredients, the less I enjoyed using this cleanser.

After a bit of trial and error -- including a skin-clogging DIY cleansing balm -- I found several cleansers that work for my normal, mature skin. All cleansers listed are natural (some more so than others) and cruelty-free. Please note that skin care is my thing, and it is where I chose to spend my money. I appreciate the economy of DIY skin care, but I am a sucker for products and packaging!

1. Tatcha One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil - This is a lovely cleansing oil that is on par with my beloved dirty oil cleanser. It emulsifies with water, so I do not need to fuss with hot cloths and such. Sadly, this contains phenoxyethanol.
2. Tatcha  Rice Enzyme Powder - What a discovery! Ages ago, I used a similar scrub from the Body Shop, but this is one is available -- and luxe! Sadly, this contains phenoxyethanol.
3. Yoshimomo Botanique 1-Step Camellia Cleansing Oil - This is a close second to the Tatcha, but I need to add a bit of water at the start for this product to spread well.
4. Celtic Complexion Coconut Creme Cleanser - The light cream consistency makes this perfect as a stand alone cleanser or as a second cleanser (post-OCM). The consistency is perfect for use with a Clarisonic. This cleanser has a light green-citrus scent.  
5. Eminence Organic Skin Care Coconut Milk Cleanser - Oh... I cannot say enough about the scent! This is a wonderfully creamy product, and as such, it is a bit heavy for daily use. Like, the previous Eminence cleanser, this is suitable for stand-alone, second cleanse, and/or Clarisonic cleansing.
6. Eminence Organic Skin Care Blueberry Soy Exfoliating Cleanser - I know skin care is not about yummy scents, but Eminence seems to have made it their business to mix efficacy and aromatherapy. Those who dig scrubs will be disappointed, as the exfoliation comes from fruit acids not scrubby grains. The consistency is creamy, yet, light. It is perfect for normal, mature skin in the warm months. This cleanser is perfect as a stand-alone or second cleanser, and is suitable for use with a Clarisonic.

What are some of your favorite cleansers?

Shopping Spree | July 2014

I did a bit of shopping this month! However, the purchases were strategic and focused: clothing and skin care.

A few clothing items had become so worn that I could no longer wear them to the office, so I took advantage of some sales and I purchased replacement items. Similarly, I have been using my current skin care products religiously -- including samples -- and the items I purchased were "holes" in my skin care regime.

A complete list of my purchases follows.

Travel Ease

Whether I am travelling for business or pleasure, I loathe lugging crap. I travelled anually to France for business, and everything I need for 10 days fit into a tote bag and a 20" roller cart.

John and I are flying to New York City tonight, and I challenged myself to pack even lighter than usual. Blame it on the combination of tightened restrictions for carry-on bags (in terms of size and number) and seeing Coco's Traveling Light: 3 Days in NYC video.

We leave tonight, and we return Tuesday, 15 July. In addition to my handbag, I am carry the Gaiam Metro Yoga and Gym Bag.

To see the contents of the bag, check out my YouTube video.

Culling My Cosmetics Collection

Inspired by Lea Ann's streamlined cosmetics collection, I decided it was time to cull mine.

While my resulting collection is as compact as hers, I made huge strides. I did not allow feelings of guilt to rule me. What is the point of holding onto items that did not work for me? I will return, swap, or toss these items, but they will no longer take up valuable space in my home.

Empties | June 2014

Once upon a time, I could not leave a department store -- or a drug store -- without perusing the skin care and the makeup. Sadly, I too often bought products I did not need, but I was convinced -- and this is in spite of having worked for a major cosmetics company -- that this was the thing that would make my skin gorgeous and luminous.

Part of my commitment to living lightly has been to weed out my products. 
I have tossed expired products.
I have donated unused products. 
I have given away partially used products that were not suitable for me.

Until I work my way through the products I already own (full-sized and a plethora of sample-sized), I will not purchase unless it is to replenish a "holy grail" product, or if is to fill a particular need. For instance, Vitamin C serums are crucial to anti-aging, so I can purchase (or sample) one Vitamin C product, but I will not buy another Vitamin C serum until that one is finished.

Behold my June 2014 Empties:

WEN Pomegranate Cleansing Conditioner

Acure Sensitive Skin Body Wash
Perennial Soaps Peppermint Tea Tree Facial Bar 
My Konjac Sponge French Clay

Celtic Complexion Coconut Creme Cleanser

Tata Harper Rejuvenating Cleanser

Tata Harper Rejuvenating Serum

Arcona Night Worker

Arcona Mandarin Brightening Peel

Burt's Bees Naturally Ageless Repairing Serum

NUDE ProGenius Treatment Oil

Josie Maran Argan Oil

Badger Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Lotion

Badger Damascus Rose Antioxidant Face Sunscreen

Prana Natural Defense SPF 25

??? Vitamin C Eye Contour Mask

Naisture Lovely Strawberry Mask

Japanese brand Bulgarian White Rose Mask

Japanese brand Black Pearl Mask

Physicians Formula Organic Wear Fake Out Mascara

Physicians Formula Eye Definer Felt Tip Eye Marker

doTERRA Lemon Essential Oil