Vanity + Wearables

Product obsession: Herbivore Botanicals.

doorsixteen_herbivoreorganicals_bathsoak

For much of my adolescence, I lived in a house without a shower. The house was built in 1820, and when indoor plumbing was added, a bathroom was built on the second floor. It had a toilet, a chrome-legged sink, and a cast iron pedestal tub. My mother, two of of my sisters and I took turns taking baths every morning. The tub didn’t have a spray handle, so we kept a big plastic cup next to the tub for rinsing shampoo out of our hair with clean water. I’m not going to romanticize things: It sucked. It made getting ready in the mornings a huge hassle, and it sucked. I loved staying over at friends’ houses so I could take a real SHOWER. (And also so I could eat microwave popcorn and watch cable TV.)

When I was 16 or so, we got one of those shower enclosure conversion things, and life immediately got better. Showers! Every! Day! So! Clean! And do you think I ever took a bath in that house again? HELL NO.

Anyway, that was in 1991. Fast forward 17 years to 2008, when we were renovating the downstairs bathroom. Taking that shower out of commission meant that we were limited to taking baths in the upstairs bathroom for however many months (six…) it took us to finish the renovation. Fortunately we do have a hand-held sprayer so no plastic rinsing cups were necessary, but let me tell you…taking daily baths as part of regular grooming and personal upkeep is one thing, but bathing after a long day of demolition and sweaty, dirty renovation work is quite another. One bath to get the grime off, another bath to get the dirty water off, and then a cleaning session to get the haze of grime off of the tub. There was no lazing about in mounds of bubbles while listening to Mets games on the radio with the window open. No, none of that. All business, no pleasure.

So, naturally, once the downstairs bathroom renovation was complete and the shower was back in order, I quit baths like a bad habit. Until last month, I think I’d taken a grand total of maybe five baths in the past five years. How pathetic is that? We put all of this hard work into renovating the bathroom and spent a bunch of money having the clawfoot tub refinished, and I’m not even taking baths in it?!?!

Well, that’s all changing now, and you know what the incentive was? No, not a desire for relaxation, but packaging. Beautiful, minimal packaging from Herbivore Botanicals, who I first discovered via their Etsy shop. Seattle-based Julia and Alex started Herbivore Botanicals three years ago, and everything in the line is totally vegan and completely natural. Now, I don’t want to stereotype too much here, but as someone who is increasingly doing a lot of shopping in health food stores’ cosmetics aisles, I can tell you that “vegan” and “natural” are not usually words that I associate with incredible packaging design. And that stuff matters—it matters to me as someone who cares about design, and it matters when it comes to the perception of animal-friendly and natural products as being part of the world of luxury skin care.

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Let’s talk about that Coconut Milk Bath Soak. It’s amazing. It doesn’t make bubbles or anything like that, it really is a soak. It has the most gentle, calming coconut/vanilla scent imaginable—not like one of those gross, chemical-y “birthday cake”-scented bubble baths. It doesn’t make the tub (or you) weird colors. After getting out of the tub, my skin feels so super-soft…not coated or oily, just soft and fresh. There is a subtle fragrance that lingers, but it’s nothing that would interfere with another perfume (if you’re into stuff like that). The Coconut Milk Bath Soak has turned me into a bath devotee. I am committed to taking baths in the evenings on weekends now!

I bought a couple of other products at the same time as the bath soak—Vetiver Cardamom Luminous Body Oil for me, and Men’s Face Elixir for Evan. We love them both! I use the body oil almost every day now, right after I get out of the shower (or bath). It’s much more viscous than body oils I’ve used in the past, so I do need to apply it while my skin is still warm. It’s done an incredible job of keeping my legs from turning into crocodile skin this winter. The cardamom vetiver scent does linger for a while, but it’s exactly the kind of warm fragrance I love when it’s cold out. When the weather gets warmer, I’ll probably switch to the Neroli Blossom version. Evan really likes the Face Elixir! He uses it every night, and was able to give up the very unnatural nighttime moisturizer he’d been using previously.

I have to admit that after having struggled for so many years to find a facial skin care routine that really works for me I am hesitant to change anything about it. I don’t think I can walk away from my prescription medications without my skin freaking out (the emotional distress of adult acne is something I’ve discussed before, I won’t get into it again now…), but I am going to try to phase out the other products—and phase in more natural, animal-friendly ones. I’m going to start by ordering the Pink Clay Soap and see how it goes. My skin is far too dry and delicate for anything like the Bamboo Charcoal.

How about you? Are there any natural, vegan, non-irritating face washes you’d like to recommend I try? Preferably ones that work well with a Clarisonic (not all cleansers do)—and bonus points if the packaging is nice. Of course.

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64 Comments

  • Reply Michelle April 11, 2014 at 11:21 am

    I love them so much. I’ve been a fan of them for awhile too, starting with the body oil, and moving on to the pink clay mask, and the “Hydrate” face elixir (this was sent on accident to me, as they mixed up my order with someone else, but it was such a happy accident! I think it might be my favorite product from them!) I’ve ordered the sea salts as presents for others, but have yet to try for myself. I use handmade soap (currently Brooklyn Soapworks) for washing my face.

    I also really love The Gnarly Whale (hair detangler! Lip balms!)

    https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheGnarlyWhale
    https://www.etsy.com/shop/BrooklynSoapworks

    • Anna @ D16 April 11, 2014 at 12:25 pm

      Thanks, Michelle, both of those companies are new to me!

      Is the Hydrate elixir a spray? I was wondering if that would be nice in the summer to spritz over my powder.

    • Michelle April 11, 2014 at 2:08 pm

      Yep, a spray! It’s a moisturizing spray that you use after you get out of the shower. I’ve been using it all winter and I love it!

  • Reply Tracey April 11, 2014 at 12:01 pm

    I use the First Aid Beauty cleanser with my clarisonic. It’s very gentle, no phthalates, parabens, etc. I believe their products are mostly, if not completely, vegan. http://www.sephora.com/face-cleanser-P248404?skuId=1217710

  • Reply Jennifer Manzano April 11, 2014 at 12:12 pm

    I’ve had my eye on Herbivore Botanicals for a while now! So great!

    For adult acne with my sensitive and dry skin, I’ve only recently been able to get things under control (and it did mean limiting my clarisonic use, but I promise you won’t miss it!). SkiNutritious is a great resource in SF, with natural, vegan solutions. The plant-based oil cleanser and the clove oil clearing solution are total godsends for acne, while still being super moisturizing. (But you’ll want to keep them in your medicine cabinet—the packaging isn’t the best).

    • Anna @ D16 April 11, 2014 at 12:23 pm

      I’ve had terrible results from oil cleansing in the past, unfortunately—it doesn’t seem to be a good match with my skin. I’ve tried, believe me!

  • Reply maggie April 11, 2014 at 1:02 pm

    I have been tinkering with flower extracts and almond oil with some pretty good results…I have been getting a lot of compliments on my skin and think I may need to start adding my homemade facial serums to my etsy. I am also a huge advocate of natural, clean things (hence me using essential oils and phthalate free fragrances in my candles) – I am currently using aloe vera juice as a toner/right after I get out of the shower, and it really helps with redness/irritation.

  • Reply Alicia April 11, 2014 at 2:26 pm

    Anna, have you checked out Lush? So many of their products are vegan, and they’re all clearly marked! I use the Jumping Juniper bar shampoo (so great and also leak-free for travel because it’s a solid), but nothing else from them.

    I use Olay’s foaming face wash for sensitive skin, which is probably a lot like the Neutrogena one you use, but although I’ve been with it for a few years now, I’ve noticed that it doesn’t really, err, do anything? Blackheads are still there, and I don’t think it cleans much beyond the water, although it is extremely non-drying, which is a plus. But the next cleanser I think I’m going to try is Philosophy’s Purity cleanser, which you’ve maybe tried before, but I can’t remember. I am hearing amazing things about it, especially with the Clarisonic.

    • Anna @ D16 April 11, 2014 at 2:28 pm

      I’ve tried a lot of Lush products in the past, but I’m allergic to most of them, unfortunately. The ingredients and scents are too harsh for my skin (and my respiratory system!).

  • Reply Alicia April 11, 2014 at 2:35 pm

    Oh no, that sucks! I haven’t used any of their face products before. I also avoid anything with fragrance like the plague since it’s such a breakout trigger. Come to think of it, it is certainly possible that the shampoo is causing breakouts on my back. My hair is super oily and it’s been so hard to find a shampoo that keeps my hair dry enough for at least a day, so I’m reluctant to switch it up, but I really don’t like pimples on my neck and shoulders!

    Usually I don’t succumb to celebrity endorsements because they’re just business deals, but I recently saw that Miranda Kerr is the spokesperson for Clear shampoo and conditioner. Has anyone ever used that kind before?

    • Anna @ D16 April 11, 2014 at 3:54 pm

      I don’t know who she is and I’ve never heard of the brand, but I’ll investigate! I do have a shampoo and conditioner I love right now, though—I can’t remember the name (I bought them from my new hair salon), but I’ll check tonight. They are both definitely sulfate and paraben-free. 🙂

    • Willa April 14, 2014 at 10:51 pm

      I used to use Clear (both the shampoo and conditioner) and loved it! While using Clear, my hair and scalp were barely oily at the end of the day, I stopped shedding like crazy, and my hair was just lovely and oil-free and full. Unfortunately, it does contain sulfates, if that is a concern to you, Alicia (it’s why I switched to something else).

  • Reply Tatiana Nemirovskaya April 11, 2014 at 2:55 pm

    I use Annmarie Gianni’s skincare, organic and wild crafted. They have a wonderful cleanser (I use Aloe Herb facial cleanser) and the packaging is miron glass. Check it out: http://www.annmariegianni.com/

  • Reply Katja April 11, 2014 at 3:09 pm

    Many thanks for this post ! I hadn’t heard of Herbivore Botanicals before. I just ordered from their Etsy shop and I’m really excited to try them out.
    I’m still an omnivore when it comes to food… but I’ve been trying for years to use only vegan skin care and cosmetics. I can’t stand the idea of animals being killed (for ingredients or testing) for something as futile as beauty products.
    Anyway, over here in Belgium we totally lack “cool” vegan skin care products, so I usually fall back on German brand “Lavera”, and their Basis Sensitiv range in particular (though their packaging is certainly lacking in stylishness 😉
    As for make-up I’ve recently come across a new French brand – Eugénie Prahy http://www.eugenieprahy.com/en/ – and their make-up is fantastic. All mineral. My skin has actually improved since I started using their products !

    • Anna @ D16 April 11, 2014 at 3:52 pm

      Hi Katja, yeah, I don’t even like to use the word “vegan” to describe myself—I use it to identify things instead. Changing my diet to be completely vegan was very easy, but the rest of it is a lot more complicated for me. The cosmetic aspect is definitely getting easier these days, though, now that there’s so much more awareness and transparency. In the US there’s been a reliance on believing that the term “cruelty-free” means something—it doesn’t! I’m still learning and experimenting and trying to figure things out. I’m getting there. I’m a big believer in people evaluating their choices each time they buy a product or eat a meal…it’s not an all-or-none proposition. ANYWAY…I’ll keep an eye out for these brands. We have some very good pharmacies in NYC that sell European brands, and I like to try before I buy. 🙂

  • Reply Erin April 11, 2014 at 3:46 pm

    I like Acure products a lot. Specifically their shampoo/ conditioners and body lotions. I was looking at their face cleansers yesterday and they seem nice. But, like you, I use the clairsonic/ neutrogena items which work and am hesitant to try new things. But the Acure products are vegan, all natural and paraban free.

  • Reply leaca April 11, 2014 at 3:48 pm

    I have been looking at some of their products. I am so picky and spending a lot of money on something I am not sure about it such a leap for me. It is good to have someones personal experience with products.

    I also notice the above discussion about Lush. I have not tried a lot of their stuff but I love their toothy tabs. I will never go back to regular tooth paste.

  • Reply LLBills April 11, 2014 at 4:33 pm

    As a 40 year old “lady” with super dry skin – I’ve found two amazing cleansers:

    *DermaE Hydratig Cleanser – you can purchase at whole foods. I love this whole line and my skin has never looked better, but the package design leaves something to be desired… ;). Their dermabrasion scrub has subtracted 10 years from my face!

    *DHC’s Deep Cleansing Oil. This stuff is AMAZING. I can’t confirm if its totally vegan, but it is cruelty free. Used to be you could only order through DHC’s catalog (though I’ve seen it in the Tokyo version of 7-11!) but now it seems Sephora and Amazon carry it, as well as a few of the bigger grocery/specialty stores in Manhattan’s Chinatown. It cleans so well, leaves your face soft but not oily and is not super expensive.

    • Anna @ D16 April 11, 2014 at 4:43 pm

      The DHC oil was horrible for my skin (along with every other cleansing oil I’ve tried, sadly), but I will check out the other one…thank you!

      (I’m just over a year from 40 myself, for what it’s worth…)

  • Reply Katie April 11, 2014 at 4:46 pm

    Herbivore Botanicals packaging is gorgeous! I really want to try that coconut bath soak. I like that it doesn’t turn the bath water a crazy color. That’s one thing that drives me crazy about lush bath bombs. They turn the water insane colors and then you need to wash the tub after your bath and that isn’t the chore I want to do after a relaxing soak.

    Have you heard of Pai skincare. It’s based in the UK and made for sensitive and allergic skin. I’ve tried and really liked the camellia and rose cleanser. It’s expensive stuff, but really lovely and creamy and my sensitive skin never freaked out from it. Plus it doesn’t foam, so I bet it would be good with your clarisonic.

    • Anna @ D16 April 13, 2014 at 9:27 am

      No, I haven’t, but I’ll look it up. Thanks, Katie!

  • Reply Noor April 11, 2014 at 5:00 pm

    I have the opposite problem our place only has showers and I would do anything for a good bath. I love traveling and staying at hotels just to bathe lol.

  • Reply Judi April 11, 2014 at 7:50 pm

    Have you tried Pangea Organics? I’m not sure they’re vegan, but they are organic and fair trade, and I’ve never seen any animal products in their short list of ingredients (and I think I pretty much know how to read a label, having spent years learning chemical names so I can avoid things that irritate my skin, which is most things). I love everything I have tried from them, from the cleansers to the toners (can’t live without the rosemary one…I’m constantly spritzing it on, especially in the summer!) to the masks (Matcha Tea is amazing!). They do a good job of catering to, er, slightly older skin (I’m 50 now) without losing the “I want my skin to feel fresh” vibe. And the packaging is gorgeous.

    I agree with you about Lush, by the way. I don’t want to but I do.

    • Anna @ D16 April 13, 2014 at 9:28 am

      Thanks Judi, I’ve seen the Pangea products, but I don’t think I’ve ever bought anything. I’ll check them out!!

      And yeah, I tried for years to get into Lush, but the colors and perfumes are just too much for me.

  • Reply Sarah April 11, 2014 at 11:53 pm

    I use Pangea and Suki with my claresonic. They are both super-natural and really gentle.

  • Reply Sam April 12, 2014 at 12:51 am

    I like 100% pure http://www.100percentpure.com, Dr. Roebucks http://drroebucks.com.au/ and juice Beauty https://www.juicebeauty.com/

  • Reply Margret April 12, 2014 at 9:29 am

    I was going to ask if you had heard of or tried the oil cleansing method but I see from the comments that’s you have without good results. That’s a bummer, I just use straight coconut oil for my cleanser and also as my all over body moisturiser, works great for me. Jojoba oil, sweet almond oil and olive also are good too, whatever I have to hand. Straight oil is the bomb for removing eye make, even waterproof mascara!

    • Anna @ D16 April 13, 2014 at 9:33 am

      Yeah, it’s a bummer. My dermatologist wasn’t surprised, though, and seemed a little bit horrified that someone with my skin type (dry, poor cellular turnover, prone to overall clogging) would have even tried. I’m so glad I gave up! I tried SO MANY TIMES and with so many formulations to get OCM to work for me, but it just doesn’t. Skin is a peculiar, picky thing. 😉

  • Reply Cynthia Wig April 12, 2014 at 12:49 pm

    Thanks for this, Anna! I always enjoy your -vanity- posts. I may have to try mixing my own rosehip and jojoba oil as a post-shower spray. Recently, my best skin remedy has been from the inside out. I’m taking lipowheat and hydrolized collagen supplements. They have really improved my skin. From the outside in, I like some of Juice Beauty’s products. The cleansing milk is particularly nice although I’m not sure of its compatibility with a Clarisonic:
    http://www.juicebeauty.com

    • Anna @ D16 April 13, 2014 at 9:34 am

      Thanks, Cynthia! Several people have mentioned Juice Beauty. I don’t like their packaging (haha), but I’ll check them out anyway. 😉

    • Cynthia Wig April 14, 2014 at 4:45 pm

      Agreed, not the best. The supplement packaging is even worse. Bring it up on the packaging, companies! 😉

  • Reply Abigail April 12, 2014 at 2:27 pm

    Love the look of this brand… gorgeous packaging!

    A friend recommended this brand, Green People, to me when I was staying with her recently, as she had just started using their cleanser > http://www.greenpeople.co.uk/gentle-cleanse-make-up-remover-200ml

    I got some myself (on amazon, it’s cheaper there) and absolutely love it. I do need a moisturiser afterwards (I use a water based collagen gel from SBC, mixed with lavender gel for spots) but it cleared up my skin in a few days of trying it, and I’m keen to see the results now I have it home. Would be perfect for with a clarisonic, and it takes off all eye-makeup and mascara, too. Totally gentle. I also have adult acne, spots and clogged pores (from various internal health issues) so there’s not many topical things that will make a huge difference… but, this really made an impact on the texture of my skin from the first use.

    Had a look, and all ingredients seem to be vegan. I’m sure they could confirm this for you.

    • Anna @ D16 April 13, 2014 at 9:35 am

      Wow, thanks! I’ve never heard of this company, but the reviews look pretty consistently great. I’m very curious. (And yes, there’s a little vegan icon under “view key plant actives”!)

  • Reply Lisa April 12, 2014 at 2:39 pm

    I love this brand!! Great post
    L x

  • Reply Kelly April 12, 2014 at 3:51 pm

    Oh, I have been curious about this brand! Thanks for the great review!

    I love the cream cleanser from Aesop. Super gentle and removes makeup. I don’t use a clarisonic though, just a warm, wet face towel (fresh one every day). I actually love a lot of Aesop skincare. I’m not a fan of the prices, but they are the only brand that has products that have consistently been effective on my skin. Their fabulous face cleaner is great also (and would work well with a clarisonic), but only is good for me in the summer when my skin is more oily. Other times of the year, I sometimes find it too drying.

    • Anna @ D16 April 13, 2014 at 9:39 am

      I’ve used Aesop body products, but not for my face (at least that I can remember). I’ll have to revisit the brand and see what I like—a pop-up shop just opened near my apartment. 🙂 Thanks, Kelly!

  • Reply Jemma April 12, 2014 at 5:28 pm

    Enjoyed the post and looking at photos of the lovely products but did my usual thing of thinking ‘no chance of getting that all the way to NZ’ but THEN looked at the next post in my bloglovin feed and there it was in a post about Auckland based shop The Tonic Room!! Fancy is a great blog that always features amazing local design. I have enjoyed a few of your other recommendations Anna so I will definitely be checking these out!

  • Reply Abigail April 12, 2014 at 9:09 pm

    Have you (or has anyone reading) tried Dr. Bronner’s soap? It is certified vegan and has been around forever. I recently started using it to wash my hair (followed by diluted apple cider vinegar rinse) but it can be used for many other things, including face and body care. I’ve been very happy with it for my hair and don’t plan to go back to shampoo.

    • Anna @ D16 April 13, 2014 at 9:26 am

      Hi Abigail, I’ve been using Dr. Bronner’s as my body wash for at least 20 years, and I love it for that! It’s wayyyyy too harsh for my face or hair, though. I’ve used it a couple of times in a pinch, and the results were terrible—itchy, dry, stripped skin and tiny, clogged pores within a few days. It’s just not good for my skin type (or for dyed hair!). I wish that weren’t the case, because I love the company and I like the idea of only needing one product for everything like the label claims. 😉

  • Reply Monica April 12, 2014 at 11:41 pm

    Love the packaging! I have been using Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser and love it. I did a quick check and a lot of people are using it with the Clarasonic.

    • Anna @ D16 April 13, 2014 at 9:22 am

      Unfortunately, Kiehl’s misses the mark everywhere else: It isn’t vegan, they test on animals (they’re owned by L’Oreal), and it’s full of the kind of chemical ingredients I’m trying to avoid. It’s too bad, because I do like a couple of Kiehl’s products very much. I’ll be phasing them out of my routine when I run out of my existing supply.

  • Reply jja April 13, 2014 at 8:35 am

    I also have just a bath tube like most of the european apartments, but we shower in a tube like a normal thing. With hand-held sprayer wasn’t this possible in your home also? Maybe it is a cutural difference and that’s why I don’t understand the problem…

    Most of the time there is a glas protection or something, in order not to spread the water all around

    http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/97/43/e0/9743e0f763609fa624b329c9bc4db4ea.jpg

    http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/e8/f2/77/e8f277c8f1d91658ed8da46705e671fe.jpg

    http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/d7/7b/13/d77b1362abe9ada9cd608322f231af84.jpg

    Mostly because of the limited space one can install a shower cabin or bath tube, rare both. I always decide for a bath tube, since there I can do both.

    ” It’s done an incredible job of keeping my legs from turning into crocodile skin this winter.”

    I have same problem, thanks for the cosmetic advise, since I adore to soak.
    Is it easy to get the product out of this package, since it is not a squeeze bottle?

    • Anna @ D16 April 13, 2014 at 9:09 am

      jja, it’s the same here—most tubs have an enclosure with a shower. That’s how my downstairs bathroom is. In my upstairs bathroom, though, there’s only a clawfoot (freestanding) bathtub with no shower protection. It was a choice, and it’s not a problem. 🙂

  • Reply Jen April 14, 2014 at 12:50 am

    I really love Evan Healy products. I don’t use her cleansing lotions (because my doctor has taken me off all face soap – a story for another time), but I’ve heard great things about her face cleansers. I’m content to use her hydrosols, serums and lotions. They’re all organic; I’m pretty sure they’re vegan, too.

  • Reply Sarah April 14, 2014 at 3:39 am

    I really, really, really can recommend “Dr. Hauschka” http://www.dr.hauschka.com.
    I have herad that even some american celebrities are using it. It is totally organic!

  • Reply Leah April 14, 2014 at 11:35 pm

    I love Yuli Skincare! Their packaging is sleek black and white, and their serums and elixirs are great! Pretty expensive, but their ingredients are clean and high quality.

    http://www.yuliskincare.com

  • Reply sara April 15, 2014 at 1:24 pm

    I just started using Beauty Without Cruelty’s extra gentle cleansing milk and am super into it.
    http://www.vine.com/p/beauty-without-cruelty-facial-cleansing-milk-32302

    Though, I’m not sure what makes for something that can be used with a clairsonic. This might be stating the obvious, but if for some outside chance you haven’t used it, I am obsessed with vine.com for pretty much all of my personal care products now (except make up – there are definitely better options for that).

  • Reply Katharine April 16, 2014 at 12:28 pm

    I have a shower clawfoot tub in the new apartment I’m renting and I am struggling with the curtain situation–it blows inward from every angle and sticks to my showering body! Any tips?

  • Reply Erin April 16, 2014 at 5:12 pm

    So great to see this discussion here! I’ve often wondered how you balance vegan philosophy with being so pulled together and also design-minded.

    Cleanser-wise, I’m currently in a love affair with Konjac sponges, sometimes in combo with Stark Skincare’s Grapefruit balm. Stark Skincare products are so great! I have combo skin, that runs a little oily and definitely pimply when I’m hormonal.

    I dabble in oil-cleansing and found this article helpful regarding oil types:
    http://www.minimalistbeauty.com/high-linoleic-oils-microfiber-cloths-my-daily-skin-care/
    If you can get past the crazy logo and blog design, there is some useful info!
    That being said (written?), oil cleansing is definitely not for everyone.

    There are a few great resources that have opened up a world of green, natural, clean and vegan personal care and makeup options for me. My main squeeze is No More Dirty Looks. Their website is very up to date with reviews and info on makeup, skincare, self-care, healthy eating and more. It’s a GREAT (if not overwhelming) resource: http://www.nomoredirtylooks.com

    My only problems now are the outrageous shipping and duty charges when ordering the products to Canada. 🙁

  • Reply Alex April 16, 2014 at 6:42 pm

    Thank you so much for this lovely post!

  • Reply Bridget April 17, 2014 at 1:49 pm

    Hi Anna,

    I have converted most of my personal care/makeup products to cleaner ones over the past couple of years. I can’t recommend a cleanser as right now I am using Dr. Bronner’s Baby, but I recently picked up Keys Eye Butter at Thompson Chemists and I love it. The packaging isn’t beautiful, but it is white and innocuous and there are only 6 ingredients! It’s also reasonably priced.

    I also love Live, Live Bee Yummy Skin mask (I’m not sure if you use honey?). The packaging is eh, but I just peel off the label so it’s a simple white pot. They have a little store in the East Village that also carries RMS products (I’m a huge fan of the Un-cover and Living Luminizer).

    • Melissa April 24, 2014 at 3:59 am

      I just started using the RMS line, too, and am loving the products. I have the un-cover and the Lip2Cheek so far.

      Also, loving Exuberance Beauty (http://www.exuberancebeauty.com) for my skincare. I’ve been using their Soothing Facial System for about six months, and combined with changes in my diet, I have seen a huge difference in my skin. (Afetrglow is the cosmetics-side of Exuberance, and their products are lovely, too. My fave so far is their Perfecting Undereye Concealer.)

  • Reply Keren // The Walkup April 17, 2014 at 9:43 pm

    I am absolutely addicted to everything Aesop. Particularly, the Damascan Rose Facial Treatment which includes carrot seeds! The Parsley Seed Facial Cleansing Oil is also so gentle, like washing your face is a freshly cut herb garden. The darling little bottles even evoke an apothecary of yore.

  • Reply Hannah April 17, 2014 at 11:13 pm

    I second Leah’s comment above! Yuli skincare is wonderful. A little background on my skin: I have had cystic acne since my pre-teens. I underwent accutane a couple years ago (finally!!!), but it left me with dry/dull (from cell build up)/ sensitive/clog prone skin. My routine as of now:

    1.Wash with Yuli Halcyon (I let it sit and work on my skin for a bit before rinsing).
    2. Massage Cell Perfecto PM (a reparative serum) or Modern Alchemist (a SUPER gentle retinoid that keeps my skin fairly clog free) on while my skin is still damp.
    3. If it’s morning I apply a sunscreen, usually La Roche Posay or Luzerne.

    My skin is currently even toned and acne free with small (clean) pores….I just wish it hadn’t taken me 12 years to get here.

  • Reply Adrianne @ Super Natural Food April 23, 2014 at 3:29 am

    Highly recommend Sodashi. Which products? Everything! But especially the Clay Cleansers, Brightening Marine Mineral Mask and Serums.
    It’s pricey, but the best skincare I’ve ever, ever, ever used. Clay Cleanser works well with the Clarisonic for me and the dark glass packaging is simple, but beautiful.

    http://www.sodashi.com

  • Reply Melissa April 24, 2014 at 4:02 am

    Thank you for these honest posts about skincare, here, Anna. It’s refreshing to have a forum where you elicit a dialogue about what’s working for people.

  • Reply maria at inredningsvis May 14, 2014 at 3:17 pm

    WOWWW vilka HÄRLIGA tips 🙂 måste jag prova

    Om du vill se en vacker våning kan du kolla in min nya post 🙂

    Ha en härlig dag

    LOVE Maria at inredningsvis – it’s, Swedish for decor 🙂

  • Reply laura June 8, 2014 at 12:34 am

    I adore your bad ass post’s and really admire your style. what an inspiration. I am going to try this skin compay! I like Peter Thomas Roth product’s and I just went to a facialist who totally switched up my routein and told me to stop using Neutrogenia (Not Natural) and to invest in a BIGGER HAT
    LA has harsh sun and sun spots are my main concern.
    Thanks for all the advice, I LIVE in tubs and soak in epsom salt and oil and some hydrogen peroxide via
    http://intothegloss.com/2013/05/liv-tyler/
    I have also had fun starting to mix my own oils like grapeseed or apricot oil with rose and lavendar and pachouli
    thanks for all you inspiration
    xo
    Laura

  • Reply Lindsay December 29, 2014 at 12:38 pm

    Hi Anna!

    I’ve been pondering over this post for a while now, the products look sooo wonderful and beautiful! I’m in the same boat as you where I’ve been using prescription strength acne gels/creams for a whe now and it’s done wonders for the acne but not so much for the texture/quality of my skin. Now I have true combination skin, and my derma told me to stay away from putting ANY and all oils on my face and so far I have seen improvement but idk whether it truly is the elimination of oil or the cremes I’m being prescribed.

    I know you’re not a dermatologist, but I was just wondering if you have heard similar advice from them before? To stay away from oils? And if in this case is going against that advice worth it? I really want to give this product a go, to improve the texture of my skin, but I wouldn’t want to spend $100 and be right back where I started. Thanks for any advise you have! Your blog is a huge inspiration to me and I have been following it for a very very long time and have yet to comment, so hi!

    • Lindsay M December 29, 2014 at 12:41 pm

      My mistake! I meant to post this on your newest herbivore post! I reposted it there so it is relevant haha

    • Anna @ D16 December 29, 2014 at 12:50 pm

      No problem, I’ll reply over there. 🙂

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