Natural Beauty: SF,GF Cosmetics

lipstick isolated = http://www.dreamstime.com/stock-photos-lipstick-rimagefree2923667-resi3857824

(Photo credit: Dreamstime.com Free)

If you are soy free, you know how much of a challenge it is to find cosmetics sans soy.  Even though the FDA has declared that soybean oil and soy lecithin are non allergens, I and many many others still have an issue with these additives.  I can’t tell you how many organic, mineral, and/or natural cosmetics companies are using soy as a filler in their products. With many large companies depending on cheap fillers such as these soy additives, I’ve often wondered if lobbyists from these companies got into the pockets of doctors and legislators in order to protect their money making, filler laden products.  But that’s a whole different post to get into… 😉

Luckily, I have found a few fantastic beauty buys that I love and use daily.  After going fresh faced for almost 2 months, (without even my formally beloved Chapstick!) I was ecstatic to smooth on some creamy, hydrating lip-color. So here are my favorites of the moment.  All of these products have been personally verified by emails, phone calls, and personal use.  (Please note:  This is not medical advice.  If you have concerns about different cosmetics to use, please consult with your health care professional to determine what is the best course of action for you).  I hope you enjoy these products as much as I have so far.

RMS Beauty

After reading about RMS Beauty on Kora Organics Blog by Miranda Kerr, I decided to send Rose Marie an email regarding the ingredients in her RMS products.  She quickly replied within 24 hours to let me know how opposed to soy she was, and that none of her products contain any soy or soy additives.  Her products are also all gluten free.  How awesome is that!?  I personally love the ‘Un’ cover-up in shade 22.  It’s a lightweight creamy face shade that really lets your true glow shine through.  You really don’t need a lot of it to help bring out the beauty of your own skin.  Full of fantastic nutrients and oils, it heals your skin.  Even though it contains a few different oils, my combination skin doesn’t get oily from it–even the T zone!  In fact, my sometimes oil prone T zone looks more toned than ever before.  I am definitely hooked.  I also received a sample of the “Living Luminizer”–I really recommend it as a great highlighter and also a sheer glowing cream eye-shadow.  Visit RMS Beauty here:  http://www.rmsbeauty.com/

Lush Lipstick: Ultrapure Cosmetics

Ultrapure Lush Lipstick is Soy free, Gluten free, Dye Free and Vegan!  It is featured in the above video about halfway through.  This lipstick is ultra smooth and is more like a double-duty hydrating balm and lip-color than just a color stick.  I bought Lush Lipstick in “Smooch” and am loving the glowing coral based shine.  Ultrapure cosmetics also sent me a sample of their mineral blush in “Buff” which only contains minerals; no additives!  I have yet to try their soy free, gluten free mascara, but I’m sure I’ll be ordering it sometime soon.  Check out the lipstick here:  http://www.ultrapurecosmetics.com/products/Lush-Lipstick%3A–Vegan%2C-Gluten%252dFree%2C-Soy%252dFree%2C-Dye%252dFree!.html

Garnier Fructis Body Boost Shampoo and Conditioner

Garnier Fructis

So far, I haven’t found a great ‘organic’ non-soy and gluten shampoo and conditioner.  I have personally contacted Garnier Fructis and received a phone call back letting me know that their Body Boost Shampoo AND conditioner are Soy free!  I have been using them with no reactions for a few months now.  It is really great for normal or fine hair and delivers a nice lift that lasts all day.  These products seem to use more natural ingredients than most commercial shampoos I’ve seen, so it will work for until I find a nice organic alternative.  Another great perk is that you can find these in almost any pharmacy and grocery store that carries beauty products.  Hooray for no fuss beauty!  I’ll also mention that it smells fabulous =)

Although these are all of my favorite products at the moment, I think no beauty routine is complete without covering the basics first.  The basics being:  Great nutrition, lots of water, healthy amounts of sleep, and working out your body at least a few times every week.  I really enjoy the Kora Organics Blog, which I mentioned earlier.  It’s written by supermodel Miranda Kerr and other healthy living advocates.  I really admire Miranda Kerr for using her well-known name to inspire others to live peacefully and very healthily.  Check out the Kora Organics blog here: http://www.koraorganics.com/blog/  Please note that I haven’t contacted Miranda to find out if any of her Kora Organics skincare products are soy or gluten free, but I’ll be writing her this week to find out.

With that, I’ll leave with a quote that I really enjoy:

“Fear less, hope more; Eat less, chew more; Whine less, breathe more; Talk less, say more; Love more, and all good things will be yours.”  –Swedish Proverb

Stay beautiful, positive, and let your light shine.

Until next time,

Bethany xoxo

Max and I

A little photo of Max and I–Max is my parents’ maltapoo, and what a cute little soul he is =)