I’m going to start this how I start most things I share… “I’m SO excited”. But really, friends, I’m so excited to speak on this subject. I’ve been wanting to touch on this for over two years now and now that my site is rebranded – I want to bring more content like this to the surface. It’s funny because I never thought I’d be a blogger talking about beauty but alas, here I am and here you are. So let’s get into it.
When I got into health and wellness in high school, it was primarily just for the physical aspects of it. I wanted to look a certain way, didn’t really care what I was exactly eating but rather how much/how little and definitely had no care as to what products I was putting on my body. I remember being obsessed with Urban Decay and Sephora my sophomore year of high school. Their glitter liquid eyeliner… a move. Toxic shampoo and conditioner? You bet. Hand soap that was dyed blue and smelled like cotton candy? Mhmm. Do you ever take a second to think about it – that’s putting blue liquid onto the dishes you eat off of. Once I really took a moment to think of it like that… I was kind of in shock. And the smell never left my dishes. Even worse! Ah!
When I put two and two together, I realized I should probably be caring just as much, if not more about what I put onto my skin as I do about the food I’m putting into my body. After all, our skin is our largest organ and everything we put on topically is absorbed to some degree or another.
I made the switch to clean beauty and started to introduce cleaner products into my life in 2016 when my mom was diagnosed with cancer. For those who are unfamiliar with the story, my mom’s tumors were supposedly benign at first (found in her breast) and 8 months later more appeared (this time malignant) in her underarm — which is why this topic is so important to me. For those who have heard about toxic deodorant, it’s thought to be one of the leading causes of Alzheimer’s and cancer due to the aluminum found in the product (found in most drugstore brands). According to articles I’ve read and researched on the topic, 50% of breast cancers start in the “upper quadrant of the breast” aka near the armpit. What we put on/under our underarms directly is absorbed into our tissues/bloodstream and has been correlated to these diseases, among other issues.
When I look back on the why’s of my mom’s cancer, of course there’s never a given answer. She had soft tissue sarcoma, a cancer that occurs in soft tissues and bones throughout the body. While there is no definitive reason as to how it comes to be, exposure to harmful chemicals is a possibility (so they say). Growing up, she was an interior designer and rarely used masks when she would use hardware store paints/chemicals/paint thinners/etc. and on top of what she was breathing in, she was using 100% toxic skincare.
It’s kind of crazy to me but now every time I run out of my natural deodorant or even think about using toxic deodorant, the thought doesn’t even cross my mind to buy drug store name brands knowing the harmful chemicals in them. They also could have potentially been a link to my mom’s form of cancer. Once again – there is no proof of this, but it’s my own opinion. I’ve seen advertisements on social media that other influencers do promoting name brand, toxic deodorants or other products and get slightly upset as I think of how these products can truly affect us in so many ways, yet we choose to overlook those long term issues. It’s scary to consider but being precautious about these things is one of the best steps in helping prevent these illnesses, bettering your body, educating yourself and in return doing better things for our environment.
At times I think getting into non-toxic beauty and skincare is 10x harder than switching from unprocessed foods to a whole foods diet. But just because it’s daunting and definitely hard work, doesn’t mean it’s not possible and one isn’t capable of making the changes. I’m glad I made the change back when I did and want to help others make it, too. That’s why I’m dropping the love, knowledge and light information on Beautycounter today.
One of my good friends (and mentors) Christina Rice introduced me to Beautycounter when I started making the toxic-to-nontoxic switch (in 2017) and now I love that I’m able to promote and talk about it because I’ve stuck with it since. Beautycounter is a non-toxic skincare and makeup brand for women and men (even babies!) that focuses on promoting #betterbeauty by prohibiting the use of many known chemicals like sulfates, parabens and formaldehydes.
A few reasons why I love Beautycounter among the fact they stick to a “Never List” of chemicals…
- It’s not just about makeup or “selling” products. They’re goal is to change the way the beauty industry is regulated. Did you know the European Union has banned over 1,000 ingredients from personal care products, while the U.S. has banned/restricted only 30… this should not be okay!
In 2017, Beautycounter founded the Counteract Coalition, a coalition of like-minded businesses in the skin care and beauty industries that want more health-protective laws in Washington, DC. Steps going in the right direction towards making a difference.
2. They focus both on good skincare, along with makeup. Oh and products for the shower/bath/every day use like the Countermatch Adaptive Body Moisturizer (which I love for after the shower) and the Body Wash in Citrus Mimosa.
Growing up I always had sensitive skin – still do! – and having safer products without harmful or synthetic fragrances or glitter (truly wtf) has helped my skin, overall redness and dryness SO much. Also no harmful reactions like allergies/breakouts/hives which is a win-win!
3. They just recently switched their entire Countertime line to glass packaging instead of plastic to become more sustainable. They’re working towards refillables for these because we all want to reduse and reuse packaging when we can! I know next you’re thinking, well are the containers recyclable? Much of it is but not all (as of now) as it depends on size/coloration (for example lipsticks are unable to be recycled due to the size) but as new products roll out they’re aiming for better options.
They partnered with How2Recycle®, a standardized labeling system that clearly and concisely communicates disposal instructions that everyone can understand, this past Spring for products going forward. I recently read a blurb on their blog that said, “progress and positive impact—not perfection—are our goals.” A statement I strongly stand by in my own life and even when it comes to consumerism. Just another reason why I love this brand/love promoting their mission.
4. Working as a consultant! I’ve told a few of my friends, being a consultant with Beautycounter has been such an interesting side-hustle (if you will) because I never thought I’d be “selling” makeup. But then again to me, it’s just like selling or promoting any other packaged good I rave about. If I can chat about my favorite tortilla chips or cbd oil out in the wild/on social media, what makes beauty products any different?
I find that people are often afraid to make the jump and become a consultant for fear of what everyone thinks… they don’t want to sell or be a walking ad. I’d get that if it was all fake and I didn’t stand by this brand or use their products but it’s the complete opposite. I use what I share every day and want you to love it just as much as I do. Truly. This is transparency.
Also the win of being a consultant is that I’ve connected with so many friends who also use Beautycounter, have made new ones through my mentors/other consultants, learned SO much about the beauty industry AND made a second income! P.s. you get a discount on all products IF you’re a consultant… so if that’s not an incentive.. 😉 It’s also an incentive to work really hard at something and feel like you’re making an impact in some way. I freaking love it.
5. And going off of that, I share because I care. It’s as simple as that. As mentioned earlier in the post, I’ve found that these products not only work for me but I feel GOOD about using them. The skincare products make me feel confident in my own skin and the makeup is light and barely feels like anything is even on my face. Sign me up!
Other notable highlights:
- The Band of Beauty membership ($29 a YEAR so even cheaper than Amazon Prime) and the Flawless in Five kit.
If you purchase a Band of Beauty membership, you’ll get:
- Free shipping on orders over $100
- A welcome gift when you spend over $50 on products enrolling (that’s literally 1-2 products right there depending on what you buy so then you’ll get 3 in total)
- 10% product credit back on applicable orders (before I became a consultant I was a member and remember randomly having $150 at one point to use… comes in handy!)
If you order more than 2x a year alone the membership essentially pays for itself due to shipping so it’s 10/10 recommended and worth it in my opinion.
2. As for the Flawless in Five kit. It’s the first thing I purchased from Beautycounter and honestly if you’re stressed about where to start OR if you’re going from toxic to non-toxic makeup and want to make the switch… this is key. The best bang for your buck and all of my favorite products, all for $150.
Until September 27th, if you purchase the Flawless in Five you’ll get a FREE retractable foundation brush too which is SUCH a steal as it’s over $35 originally.
The kit includes SIX products: A Tint Skin Hydrating Foundation OR Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer, Touchup Concealer Pen, the Color Define Brow Pencil OR Brilliant Brow Gel, the Lengthening or Volumizing Mascara, Satin Powder Blush AND Lip Gloss.
My go-tos from the kit are the dew skin tinted moisturizer (in no. 1 shade as I’m super fair-skinned), the touchup concealer pen, the brow gel and then a little blush with mascara. A simple look and legitimately takes me 10 minutes (5 if you’re super fast! ha!).
The last thing I want to touch on for you guys is that I know skincare/makeup can be EXTREMELY overwhelming. Trust me, I’ve been in your position and still quite frankly am. I try to keep it simple, which is why I’ve narrowed it down to my TOP 10 favorite products from Beautycounter that I think you need in your day-to-day life. If you have any questions comment below, shoot me a DM or send me a note through my contact page so I can help you. I love sharing the knowledge and learning more and more as I go.
My Top 10 Favorite Products:
Counter+ Overnight Resurfacing Peel – It took me until this year to buy this product but I’m so happy I finally made the plunge. Although it’s on the pricier side, trust me when I say it will last you MONTHS. 6 at least! All you need are about two drops on your finger, you massage it onto your face and neck, apply a moisturizer after and leave to set overnight. I use it at night AND in the day if I know I won’t be wearing makeup during the day or out in the city much.
I love using it at night because I’ll wake up the next day and my skin feels noticeably less red (this is huge for someone with hormonal acne), smoother and tighter. Essentially the formula in the product gets rid of dead surface cells while also soothing the skin. It’s seriously magic.
A great simple 5-minute night time routine: Washing your face with the charcoal cleansing bar, add about 1-2 pumps of the overnight resurfacing peel onto your face/neck and end with countermatch adaptive moisture lotion (for the face). 3-step routine and super simple.
Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer – I love using this as a base beneath my makeup due to the coverage and moisture it provides. I used the shade no. 2 (for light-medium skin tones) for over a year and recently switched to the no. 1 (fair and light skin tones) and love it so much more. Paired with the fair shade of the Touch Up Concealer Pen it works wonders for my skin. It’s lightweight, gives a dewy glow AND provides SPF 20 for skin protection.
Touch Up Concealer Pen – Concealer pen, magic wand, magic marker, life changer… all the same thing, right? This is my #1 favorite product from Beautycounter because it blends right in with the dew skin tinted moisturizer, makes for a great simple foundation (sometimes I don’t even use foundation after I use this) if you want something light and it covers ALL problem areas.
Bags under the eyes, acne scars, problem areas, redness… it does it all. When you purchase it you need to click it about 50 times for the concealer to come out but trust me it’s there! I usually buy 2 at a time because I cover my entire face with the thing (not necessary and I could just use foundation as well) but I love how it’s a pen and it feels like you’re literally painting your face.
Anyways, IT’S THE BEST!
Eye Shadow Palette — Classic – I’m not a huge eyeshadow person but I think it really adds that extra “oomph” when you’re going out to dinner or grabbing drinks with friends. I keep things super simple and never do any bold colors which is why I love the classic palette.
I also think less is more, especially when it comes to makeup, so picking a palette vs. one or two shadows is great. You can mix and match by blending two or three or just stick to one. I usually use “ivory” as a base and top it off with “sahara” for a light golden glow. I also have blue eyes so I tend to stick to golds/neutrals. You will most definitely not find me using blues and purples, hah!
Brilliant Brow Gel – Not sure how I got by in life without doing my brows before I discovered this magic. Doing my brows I think really enhances my face when I do my makeup and takes literally 30 seconds or less. I like switching between this and the brow pencil below. When I use the gel I’m usually in a hurry and want color/thickness but the pencil provides more definition as I take my time to fill them in. Both are wonderful.
Unlike other brow gels, this one is packed with cocoa seed butter, shea butter, coconut oil and jojoba oil for adding moisture while carnauba wax and sunflower seed wax help groom and condition them. Making them look all snazzy and thicc with two c’s! 🙂
Color Define Brow Pencil – As mentioned above, I love this just as much as the brow gel but for different reasons. This lasts a bit longer than the brow gel I’ve found, especially since it’s a pencil and you can keep sharpening it. I currently have two in my makeup bag that are probably 1-inch in size now because I’ve had them for so long and continuously sharpen.
This gives definition and helps me fill in meticulously between those fine hairs and gaps in my eyebrow so I can make them as full as possible. And shape the front (closest to the bridge of my nose). I have the medium shade in this AND the medium in the brow gel as well.
Precision Liquid Eyeliner – I’ve been a liquid eyeliner over eye pencil person since I started wearing makeup in high school because I think it provides a finer line and you can go super thin or thick depending on preference. This eyeliner gives a really clean, sleek look, isn’t extremely hard to get off but also stays on really well at the same time. It lasts up to 12 hours, too!
Counter+ Charcoal Facial Mask – This was one of the first Beautycounter products I bought and I mean, first of all… who doesn’t love a good mask? I use this probably 3x a month but whenever I really want to get rid of all of the impurities on my skin from the day, this is my go to. I always moisturize after because I always tend to leave it on for too long but my skin feels SO clean after.
If you have super oily skin this guy is for you.
One-Step Makeup Remover Wipes – Makeup wipes are so important, especially before washing your face to make sure all of your foundation and eye makeup is off. The worst thing is sleeping in your makeup… we all know that’s a fact.
I love throwing these in my purse when I’m on the go to use after workouts or if I’m staying at a friends/my boyfriend’s. Super useful! I’ll use one of these and can usually get two uses out of them because they’re pretty large. They’re extremely gentle (I used to use Neutrogena wipes at CVS/Walgreens) and give enough moisture to where your skin feels hydrated and fresh but isn’t soaking wet. These are a must-have in anyone’s skincare routine, even if you’re not using makeup they’re nice to use after a long day in the city – especially come summer activities!
Counter+ Lotus Cleansing Balm – Just like the Overnight Resurfacing Peel, you don’t need a ton of this to get the job done. A little bit goes a long way which makes it so worth the price! Not only am I obsessed with the new glass dark gray packaging (dreamy) but it is my new favorite way to clean my face AFTER I use a makeup wipe.
If I am out of makeup wipes this is ideal too because it really gets deep into your skin to clean it without making it oily as I expected. It contains a blend of lotus extract, jojoba seed oil and avocado oil. After the first few times I used this I was amazed at how smooth my skin felt and so fresh. No better feeling.
While those are my top products there are truly so many gems from Beautycounter, among all of the other wonderful non-toxic brands that are out there.
Primally Pure is another brand whom I get deodorant from that I absolutely adore. I’ve been using their lavender and blue tansy deodorants for the past two years and they’re the only non-toxic brand I’ve found that doesn’t make me smell and doesn’t irritate me. Their blue tansy body oil is also a favorite and always stocked in my bathroom. I use it on my legs after I shave and it literally makes them glow.
That’s pretty much the products I stick to now for makeup/body care. I’d love to know if you guys have any products you’re interested in, have questions on or any favorites above that you also love. Let me know and if anything, I hope this gave you more insight into why switching to a non-toxic lifestyle is worth it.
This post was not sponsored and all thoughts and opinions are my own. However, I do make commission through the specific links to Beautycounter as a consultant for the brand. Thank you for supporting Chickpea in The City and loving the products I love so much!
