It is possible to have organic/natural products at a reasonable price and I have done the hard work for you. I have made my family and friends suffer through soaps that crumble, deodorants that clear the room, nail polishes that bubbled, lotions that smelled less than pleasant and candles that nearly caught our home on fire. But the wonderful news is through all of that, we have found organic soaps that smell heavenly, lovely potions that keep the bugs away, natural serums that really do fight wrinkles, safe deodorants to wear without fear of funk and soy candles that won't release toxins to kill the cat.
I've spent the last 8 years doing the hard research and personally tested these products to give you an honest opinion about each and every one. If I wouldn't use it or wear it, it won't be put on the Green Spa Girl website. You won't find any Parabens, DMDM Hydantoin, SLS or any other harmful chemicals here.
The companies I do business with are wonderful! I have only listed my favorites from each, but they often have many more products to choose from. For more information about a product, the company or to order directly, visit the websites below.
Facial Care
Best Cleansers, Light Moisturizers and Toners. My favorites are Flower and Sea Mask and Skin Dance for super soft skin. I love the fact that I can speak directly to the owner if I have any questions. This is a great small business that knows the value of it's clients.
Body Care
Not only does this company, Just Neem, make the most delicious smelling Neem soaps, salts and lotions, but it gives back by providing jobs through Fair Trade along with funds to go toward planting Neem trees in African villages. My family loves the Green Tea and Wind And Sea soaps and lotions. I have never been disappointed with the quality and kindness of this family business.
Simply Caprine is another family owned business I adore. This mother and daughter duo make great products with goat's milk from their farm. My favorite at the moment is the Blissful Balm. I keep this by my bed and apply it to my hands, elbows and feet every night for super soft skin. I also have a smaller container just for lips. The Vanilla Bean is yummy!
Eco-Friendly Candles
Holy Moly Candles! I found Clifty Creek out of desperation, being highly sensitive to those other candle stores, but loving candles burning in my home. So I bought a Soy Wedding Cake candle from Christine. I since went on to try almost every candle. She has such a huge selection, shipping is always right on time and her service is so personable. Our favorites are Wedding Cake, Green Tea, Pomegranate and Lavender Vanilla, oh and Sugar Cookie and Blueberry Muffins and Wildflower....I could go on and on just like these candles that burn about 100 hours for only $11.99! It burns clean and I recycle the glass jar, perfect!
Self Tanner
Lavera makes a great organic self tanner that goes on even without the offensive smell of many self tanners and contains no parabens.
Deodorant
I like Naturally Fresh Deodorant Crystal Spray Mist, it's inexpensive and lasts a long time. My husband likes Tom's Roll On. Both of these can be found at health food stores, drug store and at some grocery stores. The only draw back with the natural deodorants is that on warm days you must reapply often. I always keep one in my purse. Sometimes these can be found at your local Big Lots for a super cheap price.
Makeup
Eyes
Physicians Formula Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin Eyeliner is great. They also make a pretty good mascara too. I have not been able to find it in the stores here, but found the eyeliner on Drugstore.com for $7.99
Also, to take off eye makeup, I love Starflower facial cleanser, but any base oil will work, even olive oil, but I would never use baby oil.
Face
Mirabella has a great liquid foundation, Glo Professionals (which you can find on Ebay) also has a good full coverage liquid foundation. I love their mineral powder foundation with green tea and concealer. True Cosmetics are really nice too. These can be found online, but if you want to try out mineral makeup, head to Ulta or Sephora, have a professional apply a mineral foundation for you, but before you buy; head out of the store, go about your day, see how it holds up and check the color out in the sun. Because mineral makeup is an investment, you want to make sure you are going to be happy with it. With the powders apply a good moisturizer so that you don't appear chalky. The short kabuki brush is a necessity as well, gotta have it! I like EcoTools brushes. They can be purchased at your local drug store. I like to lightly spritz toner on to set the powders after application. An organic Witch Hazel without alcohol works great and lasts a long time.
Lips
100% PURE has great lip glosses. I love TRUE cosmetics lipsticks. The greatest drugstore purchase is Yes To Carrots lip gloss with peppermint essential oil, so smoochable!
Budget Drug Store Finds
These brands are a little less expensive than the Spa/Salon; Burt's Bees, Yes To Carrots, Yes To Tomatoes, Yes To Cucumbers. I haven't tried all of them but the products I have tried have been great. If you like Noxema try Burt's Bees Deep Cleanser, cleans better and doesn't leave that waxy build up.
Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap is great for everything. You can cleanse your skin, use it as a body wash, shampoo, wash the floors with it, add a bit to water in a spray bottle for a household surface cleanser and in a pinch brush your teeth with it, it also repels bugs I always have a bottle of this in my home and it only takes a tiny bit. 1 or 2 drops is enough to wash your face. I like the peppermint the best and it works well in fighting acne. A great one for boys because it doesn't look or smell girly.
