NEW SKINCARE FAVORITES

The winter months lead to dry, itchy skin that constantly feels like it's in need of oil treatments and lotions. For the past while, my skin - from my elbows to my back - has been in need of great treatment. A common misconception is that skincare and beauty items must be cost a lot in order for them to actually work. Fortunately, that's not always true. I've been fortunate to find some skincare items that work well and don't have an expensive price tag attached to them.

Coconut is one ingredient I've especially taken a liking to recently. Coconut oil contains minimal water which makes it optimal for strengthening skin tissue and getting rid of those awful, dead skin cells that no one wants. Thanks to the vitamin E coconut contains, your skin is protected from skin cell damage over time and less likely to wrinkle as quickly (along with a overall healthy diet and exercise of course). I've noticed that using coconut products, like scrubs and soaps, make my skin glow and feel ultra smooth. However I have heard that coconut oil on your face can make you break out, so depending on your skin type I might advise to forgo using it as a mask.

So what have I been loving? Generally speaking, I love natural products that are free of harmful chemicals and products that are animal cruelty free. I'm a firm believer in putting good products in and on your body, as your body will reward you well. So recently, I've been loving a few new items that are inexpensive as well as amazing for your skin!

First up is a shampoo I just bought yesterday but I'm already in love with it. It smells like vanilla cupcakes, so how could you not love it? The brand is Maui and it's totally vegan, contains pure coconut water, and aloe juice. It's rich in vanilla bean, cocoa butter, and kukui nut oil (commonly used for massages with fatty acids that protect skin from sun, wind, and salt damage and give hair a radiant glow thanks to its composure of vitamins A, C, and E). I could go on and on about this shampoo, but its first ingredient is aloe juice, it has no dyes, sulfates, or paragons. Basically, it leaves your hair smelling amazing, feel light and soft, and truly replenished.

Next is a whipped brown sugar scrub that Sarah gave me for Christmas, which also smells like an indulgent dessert. I put this on occasionally after I wash my body or at the end of a bath and my skin feel so soft that my hands just glide over my body. What's going on inside this jar of body scrub is coconut and almond oil working to repair even skin tones.

Hand soap. Okay so that sounds boring, but not when it's packed with lavender or peony scents. Meyer's hand soap has been my favorite since using it once at a restaurant. It's a plant-based soap that that has loads of natural oils which make your hands feel so soft and clean.

Last up is my Nuance daily cream cleanser. I've been looking for a new face wash, and of course one with simple black and white packaging would get my attention. But the product is really nice as well. The cleanser is packed with natural fruit and seed oil which not only make it smell amazing, but the product is so creamy and soothing. I use this cleanser almost everyday, as I alternate between a couple face washes, as it makes my skin feel smooth and radiant.

For now, that's all I have to share! I use plenty of chemical-free, natural products on my skin and hair, but these are just some of my favorite ones! Let me know if you have any questions, or if you have any products you faithfully use as I'm always on the lookout for new products.