You may have noticed that we are a bit obsessed with all natural beauty products here at Peaceful Dumpling. For me, personally, it’s been a long way coming. When I first began having some sort of skincare routine at 14, I used a lot of Biore cleansers, St. Ives apricot scrub, not a whole lot in the way of moisturizers, and lots of Wet n’ Wild and Cover Girl. No wonder my skin was not happy (and my foundation never quite matched my skin). In college, with some initiative and more cash from part-time jobs, I started using more expensive brands like Nars, Laura Mercier, and that ultimate throwback to circa 2005, Bare Essentuals. Still, I thought I was doing the right thing by using that orange Neutrogenia anti-acne cleanser, supplemented by an Olay lotion. After college came a series of expensive potions that promised perfect skin, but I never thought to really explore natural products until fairly recently–and I’m really happy I started making the switch! Now, it seems a natural extension of my lifestyle sans processed, packaged foods and chemical household cleansers. It’s really liberating to know that there are no chemicals and additives in these products, and they make me feel so pampered whenever I use them. I’m still working away on my Philosophy Purity Made Simple cleanser, but these are what I use after cleansing.
1. Immediately after patting my face dry, I spritz liberally with this Coconut Water Toner from EveryDay Coconut. Coconut water is really good for balancing the pH of your skin. You can also wipe away gently with a cotton pad but I let it absorb because it feels very refreshing and hydrating. I’ll also sometimes just spray it on in the middle of the day when I feel like I need a pick-me-up. (Also a bonus: this company was founded by a Togolese to empower locals–10% of proceeds go to support community projects like education and women’s health).
2. Then, I apply dime-sized amount of Pangea Organics Facial Cream (I use Nigerian Ginger with Lavender & Thyme for normal to combination skin). Ginger extract nourishes and balances the skin while lavender soothes.
3. I finish with AuraCacia Organics Sweet Almond oil to lock in the moisture. I originally bought this oil to experiment with oil cleansing method that Mary recommended. I still sometimes use this with a cotton pad after washing my face, which gets rid of traces of makeup you never knew existed. If you want to try this, just wash your face afterwards, then follow up with toner. Otherwise, you can use it over your facial cream/moisturizer so that it creates a protective layer. You can even use this to give yourself a one-minute DIY face massage, which drains your lymph nodes, prevents swelling, and promotes better blood flow (read: prettier skin!).
Just a little bit goes a long way, so start with a pea-sized amount and add more if you need it. And make sure you don’t pull your skin unnecessarily, which can help create wrinkles. And feel free to use other organic oils like coconut oil or argan oil.
Step 1. Use your fingertips to massage around your cheekbones in a circular motion. Continue all the way up to your temples.
Step 2. Press onto the sides of your nose, all the way down to your nostrils, then the bottom of your cheekbones (following your laugh lines).
Step 3. Round your hand as if holding a tennis ball, and lightly tap all over your face to stimulate blood flow.
Step 4. Use your fingertips to gently massage your chin and neck in an upward motion. This will define your jawline and keep your neck looking young! Be careful not to tug on your skin since your neck skin is very delicate.
Also in Beauty: 5 Best Fall Skin Savers
All Natural Product Review: Andalou Naturals Beauty Balm
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Photo: Peaceful Dumpling
