Honest to Goodness

Using non-toxic products is incredibly important to me. In the past, options for "green" products were not that great, and not all of them worked well. This is changing, however, as the demand for better natural options is increasing. And after some sleuthing out, I now have an arsenal of home and beauty products that work even better than their chemical laden counterparts. One of my favorites, Honest, makes some real deal, legit products that I love. Every product I have ever ordered from them is good.

The lemongrass hand soap is a lovely all-purpose soap which I previously wrote about here. The conditioning mist is a life-saver for my baby fine hair that needs detangling without any added weight. The lotion is wonderful and rubs in so easily which is non-negotiable for me in a lotion. And lastly, the mouthwash. It's the only proper natural mouthwash I've come across that gives the same "fresh" feeling as some un-natural standbys (hello, Listerine). And it's even better.

Honest is also a great place to find household cleaners and an adorable swim diaper for a little person planning his first trip to Palm Springs in a few short weeks.

Also, if you are curious about what's in some of your personal care products, the Skin Deep database is a great resource.

Kjaer Weis

The Kjaer Weis cosmetics line is proof that beautiful design not only matters but it adds greatly to the pleasure one takes is performing a simple, daily ritual -such as putting on makeup. But the real beauty of the Kjaer Weis line, is that it's not just the packaging that is beautiful. They are incredible products that not only work, they are good for you.

"Kjaer Weis is a visionary and forward thinking cosmetics line created by Danish-born, New York-based makeup artist Kirsten Kjaer Weis. It’s a brand that recognizes health and beauty equally." More about Kirsten and the line here.

Each compact comes with your chosen color, and refill pans are available in simple paper cartons that are fully recyclable. Even the refills were designed to be beautiful. The goal was to maintain both sustainability principles and a high standard of design. “The visual and aesthetic parts of daily life are vitally important to me. Consciously or unconsciously, design affects us all,” says Kirsten

The foundation is a dream (especially when applied with the indispensible Beauty Blender sponge). As are the cream blushes. The best face products I've ever used. My skin, only better.

The soap that is a game changer

I know it is just soap. But this soap makes a pretty amazing first and lasting impression.

Molton Brown White Mulberry Hand Wash

I first starting using it at home a few years ago and whenever guests would come over they would inevitably come out of the bathroom smelling their hands over and over and gushing over how amazing the smell was. It has the same effect on my clients at the studio. It makes a beautiful hostess gift and though a bit of a splurge, it lasts forever and makes washing your hands a joy.

A few other lovely options (more economical and both "green") that I love to use in the kitchen...

Mrs. Meyers Rhubarb Hand Soap

The Honest Company Hand Soap