A CLEAN BEAUTY LIFESTYLE

Using natural and organic products has always been important to me. Ok, wait, let me take a step back. Eating natural and organic products has always been important to me. It was probably something that started early on during my summers in Belgium. Everything was from the farm, baked fresh, and required a short shelf life. I would return back home to the states and didn't understand how/why we ate bread that lasted a week plus. I also loved the system they used for glass bottles. At the beginning of the week water and other beverages would be dropped off in crates. When you finished a bottle you would return the empty glass bottle to the crate. At the end of the week the delivery company would pick up your empty bottles. Always recycling and always glass. I digress. 

When you're getting ready for the arrival of your first baby you want everything to be perfect. I did tons of research on the best baby skin care products, formula, cleaning products for our home, etc. After Luke was born something changed. Maybe it was the time we spent together nursing but I kept thinking, is this stuff I'm wearing on my face ok for him to have on his? The same went for my body lotion. And so it began...the hunt for as many natural and organic products as I could find! If you want to see more on my summer beauty routine click here!

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SUMMER BEAUTY HACKS

+ Bright eyes without the cake! Add a drop of your favorite face oil into the palm of your hand. Mix with concealer and dab over dark circles. My absolute favorite organic concealer plus this oil 

+ For the low back, the slinky silk summer tops and dresses Nippie Covers 

+ Traveling? No problem! Favorite Travel Steamer  

+ Not exactly a beauty hack but wanted to share this mascara. I use it everyday unless I'm shooting for the blog or going to a formal event. On those occasions I still wear my pharmacy brand stuff (which I hate doing but its always darker and lasts!). Still haven't found an organic one that I can wear 24/7. 

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MY BEAUTY ESSENTIALS

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MY SKINCARE ROUTINE

Lately I've been getting a ton of emails and messages on social media asking about my skincare routine. The most important thing for me has been understanding the type of skin that I have. Growing up (especially in my teens) I suffered from acne and breakouts. In college I actually tried products like Proactive and I found myself managing blackheads and clogged pores on a daily basis. On the flip side my sister's skin? You could not find a pore on her face! She's always suffered from eczema and dry skin though. Genetics! 

In the last couple of years I feel like I finally have a good handle on my skin. I credit most of my success to consistency and using natural or organic products. I started a very basic nightly routine about ten years ago and have been diligent over the years. I first posted about this topic here after I had Harrison. I loved the products I was using but still felt like something was missing. Then I discovered Organachs Farm to Skin in Westport, CT. I've finally found the place I was always looking for - a natural and organic destination for skincare and makeup. Immediately I connected with owner and curator Siobhan McKinley over her passion and love for natural products. She believes, as I do, that what you put on your body is just as important as what you put in it. Here are the products I love from Organachs and some of my skincare tips:

• Voya Even Pure Moisturizer - The thing I like most about this moisturizer is you can wear it day and night. I like to keep my routine simple and with this you don't have to have a night cream. In the mornings I use it solo (unless my skin is very dry) and at night after my face oil.  
• May Lindstrom Honey Mud - I've been using this for about a month now and I'm HOOKED! I use it as a cleanser during the week as well as a mask once a week. It is purifying, smells amazing, and consistency is something you would want to eat!
• Ursa Major Deodorant - I'm constantly on the hunt for a natural deodorant and this one works! No aluminum or harsh metals and it smells really fresh.

Be Diligent at Night: Remove your Makeup! You're exhausted, its been a long day at work or with the kids and the last thing you want to spend time on is washing, toning, and applying a face oil or night cream. But I PROMISE! You will thank yourself in the morning!

Get Oily: I'm an oil addict. Applying oil to your oily t-zone may seem counterintuitive but actually if you are cleansing and exfoliating your skin properly, oils can clarify and offer your skin many nutrients its needs. I LOVE this one. My favorite part about using natural oils? They smell AMAZING and many have the added benefit of aromatherapy. 

Find the Right Moisturizer: Not all moisturizers are created equal. Most brands make a light and a heavier formula depending on the time of year and skin type. Listen to your skin - you may need to go a little lighter in the summer. During the winter, even with an oily t zone, I layer an oil and a moisturizer.

Facials: For me facials are a luxury. Of course it would be great to have one weekly but for most thats not realistic. BUT, I do think there are real benefits to a monthly one. If you're local and interested in a natural and organic experience, Organachs is the ultimate destination. Last month I had the VOYA anti aging restorative facial. During it, hand harvested seaweed from Ireland was placed on my face over a seaweed mask. The leaves detoxify, hydrate, and firm the skin while also helping to stimulate collagen production. I left feeling rehydrated and my skin looked amazing! This facial is definitely on my wish list this Christmas!

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