If equipped with the right resources, we are able to make better decisions for ourselves, as well as take hold of our power as a consumer and actually create change.  

Hello, EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database.  Tap this into your Bookmarks Bar now.

The Environmental Working Group’s mission is to “use the power of information to protect human health and the environment”.  Skin Deep Cosmetics Database was created in 2004 to divulge skincare ingredients and safety precautions otherwise unregulated and unlisted on cosmetics packaging.  It now includes about 70 thousand different products within their searchable database, rating brands and ingredients based on their levels of safety and/or toxicity.  Leave-in conditioner…Toothpaste…Lip Liner….even baby products… it’s extensive, and totally user-friendly.  The site sees over 1 million visitors per month.

Before you go plowing through all of the ingredients in your bathroom cabinet (you know you want to…) explore the site and focus on 1-2 personal care products you would be willing to update to something cleaner.  The site can be overwhelming, and there’s no way to control everything we touch.  But little edits to your daily routine will reap great benefits; not only for your body, but will support responsible brands who have chosen to edit the toxic chemicals out of their products. 

                                             http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/

One of my favorite products I am using right now is Epicurean’s Probiotic face cream.

This product is meant to balance the good bacteria on your skin while killing off the bad and purging the congestion that causes bad breakouts.  This stuff is a-mazing.  It creates a mild exfoliation when applied, which feels fresh and energizing.  I have also noticed how much it helps heal old breakouts and smoothed my skin DAYS after I began using.  What else scores this product some mad props?  Its ingredients are all natural, and include include key probiotics, which are what work to restore healthy flora on the face.  

Key Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Chamomila Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract,      Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber Fruit) Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment

This brand carries a ton of other amazing, chemical-free product that I would highly recommend.  Yes, a bit pricy, but oh yes worth it.

See other raving reviews and purchase here: http://www.amazon.com/Epicuren-Acidophilus-Probiotic-Facial-Cream/product-reviews/B000ULF98W

I just purchased this Gilt City SF coupon for a $30 Organic Spray Tan!!  Checked out the ingredients and reviews and looks pretty legit.  She’s located on Post St. in Union Square.  

Ohh long ago are the days of my tanning beds and chemical-infused spray tans, but lets be honest, I REALLY miss that glow.  I will write a review once I try it out!

http://www.giltcity.com/san-francisco/scbe?ifs=mailing_id%3D678156%26link_type%3Dscbe%26edid%3DCWMZUOP-3ZD13-Y8HLS0-HEV2T-BJUS0-v1&OEID=678156-scbe-SAN%20FRANCISCO%20D%20List%204%20Female%201&ET=weekly&ECT=standard&EPT=body&ECA=text