Round-Up: Our Favorite Natural Hair + Skin-Care Products

With the rise in popularity of health and wellness over the past few years, there is now a plethora of hair and skin products out there that boast the titles "natural" and "organic".  But how do we really know whether that's true?  What's are the ingredients that inside of these products?  How are they going to affect us?  Will they break the bank?  And (let's be honest...most importantly) will they really work?  These are all questions that those of us who are on the journey of health and wellness, have asked ourselves as we've researched and tried out new products.

We know that our skin is the largest organ in the body and that what we put on ourselves is going directly inside of us, and will either affect us negatively or positively.  These two facts alone are what has driven me to find natural and organic products that I can trust, that work, and that aren't going to drastically diminish my bank account.  The list that I've cultivated below is a mix of high and low products, products that are homemade and others that are award-winning.  There are others that I enjoy but these are the ones that are tried and true and that I use on a regular basis.  They contain some of the most beautiful and nourishing ingredients that leave me feeling both soothed and revitalized.  And they've allowed me to make room for peace in my life by: 1.) clearing out the clutter of chemical laden products that used to occupy by bathroom cupboard and 2.) not having to worry about what I put on my body and if it will negatively affect me.  I can now go about my day-to-day routine with peace of mind.

Round-Up: Our Favorite Natural Hair + Skincare Products:

• RAHUA Shampoo | Finding a shampoo and conditioner that is chemical free, uses only natural ingredients and ACTUALLY WORKS means so much to me.  It's something that I thought would never happen.  After using the Rahua shampoo and conditioner for just under a month I can already see and feel a difference in my hair.  It feels so light and healthy.

• RAHUA Conditioner | I little bit of this conditioner goes a long way!  It feels and smells so luxurious.

  • Side-Note: While I love Rahua's shampoo and conditioner, I am in search for a slightly less expensive one.

• RAHUA Defining Hair Spray | After going back and forth between a traditional hairspray that I loved but that was full of nasty chemicals, and a home-made hairspray that wasn't doing the trick, I was ready to throw in the towel.  I love that I can use Rahua's hairspray without worrying about the chemicals that I'm spraying directly onto my scalp and best of all...it works!

• HOMEMADE DRY SHAMPOO | I have to admit that I love a good dry shampoo (i.e. Sexy Hair Dry Shampoo...) however what I don't love is that the traditional ones that we are using are spraying a ton of nasty chemicals directly onto our scalp!  Yikes.  But let's be honest... a girls gotta have her dry shampoo.  Well, I have a natural, chemical free solution for you that involves 1-2 ingredients!

  • Lighter Hair: Put some cornstarch into a spiceshaker.  Shake a small amount onto the roots of your hair and rub in with your fingers.
  • Darker Hair: Mix a small amount of cornstarch with cacao and mix together until you have your desired color.  Put mixture into a spice shaker.  Shake a small amount onto the roots of your hair and rub in with your fingers.
• DRY BODY BRUSH | Body brushing is a wonderful way of getting rid of old skin and improving circulation.  Make sure to buy a brush that has natural bristles!

• ALMOND OIL | Did you know that our skin is the largest organ in our body?  It consumes everything that we put on it!  Knowing this has made me quite particular about what I use to hydrate my body.  Instead of going for the traditional lotions (which I admit smell so pretty - but are filled with nasty chemicals) I opt for a natural oil such as almond oil, coconut oil, or jojoba oil.
• DR. BRONNER'S Bar Soap, lavender | Dr. Bronner's bar soap in lavender, has become my soap of choice when it comes to washing my body and face.  It's gentle, soothing and chemical free!
• COCONUT OIL | Coconut oil is a gentle and chemical free alternative to conventional make-up removers.  It does an incredible job removing mascara and eyeliner!

• THAYERS Witch Hazel Alcohol Free Toner, Lavender | While most toners do the job of cleaning, the harsh chemicals inside of them can strip your skin of its natural oils and leave your face feeling dry.  Thayers Witch Hazel on the other hand, leaves your face feeling clean and soothed.  I use some after I clean my face at night and sometimes in the morning before applying moisturizer. 

• TEA TREE OIL | Tea tree oil is a natural oil that can be applied topically to the skin to treat infections, such as acne, lice, and ring worm.  It is a hot oil though, so it is best to dilute it in a bit of water. It has been a life-saver when it comes to treating acne naturally.  Whenever I have a breakout I dip the end of a cue-tip in my Trader Joe's bottle of tea-tree oil, run a tiny bit of water of the tip, and then gently apply it the the pimple.  I see an immediate difference when I wake up the following morning.

• KORA Calming Lavender Mist | Wonderful for spraying onto your face throughout the day.  I especially enjoy using it in the morning after I apply my makeup.
• KORA Hydrating Moisturizer | It's taken me a while to find a moisturizer that does a good job of hydrating the skin without leaving it oily or without breaking the bank!  Kora's hydrating moisturizer does a wonderful job of each!  Due to their targeted, certified organic ingredients its literally feeding your skin and creates a beautiful glow.
• KORA Noni Glow Face Oil | The noni glow face oil is a luxurious oil that I like to apply on my face, over the hydrating moisturizer when my skin is feeling extra tired or dry.  If I want an extra glow, I also sometimes apply it over my makeup on my cheek bones.

Note:

This post is not sponsored.  I honestly love these products and wanted to share them with you!  I'd love for you to leave a comment below, sharing some of your favorite products.