What I’m Wearing Dress: Banana Republic (via thredUp) | Jacket: Embellish c/o | Headband: Lace & Pearls Jewelry | Necklace: Lace & Pearls Jewelry | Rings: Rebekah J. Designs (here & here) | Sandals: Old | Purse: Rebecca Minkoff (old) | Lipstick: Beauty Counter (color red)
The long-awaited post is finally here! I polled my Instagram audience, and there was a resounding vote for a clean beauty post. I was a bit surprised and am excited to share both my newfound journey and the importance of choosing clean beauty and skincare products.
Health and wellness have always been a huge part of my life, especially over the last two years. If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen mentions here and there of my gastrointestinal (GI) issues. I have always had a sensitive stomach and had to watch what I eat. Thankfully, it’s nothing serious but still something I am conscientious of.
About two years ago, things took a turn for the worse—sending me through a whirlwind of labs, blood draws, MRI scans, and a colon osteotomy. Still nothing. I decided to see a nutritionist. She recommended a specific diet and herbal regimen, and I’m beginning to feel like my BEST self! I can hardly believe it. I have never had a day or week where my stomach didn’t hurt.
Why I’m Choosing Clean Beauty
You’re likely wondering how this relates to clean beauty? They’re not directly related, but my diet (the food items I choose to eat) and my skincare regimen complement my overall health goals. I follow a clean diet and workout regularly, so it’s seemingly natural that I would be cognizant of the types of products I use on my skin and body. In my research, I have found there can be a direct correlation between how our body functions and the products we use on our skin. Since the beauty industry is essentially unregulated, brands can produce products that are filled with toxic ingredients, carcinogens, and endocrine disruptors. I am often tired and experience elevated stress levels, and in addition, I have a hormone imbalance. By eliminating toxic products—and switching over to Beautycounter —I hope to improve my overall health. Hooray for clean beauty!
My Skincare Journey
My mom started me on a quality skincare regime when I was 11 or 12 years old. Skincare is the foundation to a flawless complexion, followed closely by adequate rest and a balanced diet. Over the years, I have tried countless makeup and skincare brands—Clinique™, Proactiv®, Clarins®, Kate Somerville®, Rodan+Fields, Neutrogena®, and some lesser-known brands. I can honestly say Beautycounter is the best! I thought it would be hard to make the switch, but the Beautycounter products are just as effective and they lack the harsh, toxic chemicals.
Becoming a BeautyCounter Consultant
During my GI struggles, I also felt down in the dumps about blogging. It felt stale and didn’t seem to be going anywhere. I shared my experience on Instagram, and my friend Ana Luzia reached out about becoming an independent Beautycounter consultant and joining Jess and Blair’s Beautycounter mastermind.
I have been a long-time reader of both Jess and Blair’s blog and Blogging 4 Keeps weekly, but never joined the mastermind. When Ana approached me about joining her team, I thought “why not?” This was my last-ditch effort at bringing in income (from my blog) and feeling reinvigorated by the creative process.
Why Beautycounter?
Beautycounter is more than a brand; it’s a mission. They have a goal to educate and eliminate 1,500 questionable ingredients from their products, while changing the beauty industry as a whole in an effort to bring clean products to consumers.
Did you know that “the U.S. has not passed a major federal law governing the cosmetics industry since 1938. (Ahem—that’s over 80 years.) The European Union has banned or restricted 1,400 INGREDIENTS from personal care products. The U.S. has banned or restricted only 30.” Source
I don’t know about you, but these statistics are terrifying! The more I educate myself about the industry—and the negative impact harsh products can have on our bodies—the more I want to share with others. Beautycounter makes it incredibly easy to switch out your products for safe options without having to read through all the ingredients. The products are incredibly effective and have improved my skin immensely.
How to Get Started with Clean Beauty?
Switching to clean products can be overwhelming. I recommend slowly making the transition. As you run out of products, replace them with clean ones. I started out with bath, body, and hand lotion. I also purchased the skincare regime for oily skin so I have it once I run out of my existing products.
I occasionally wear lipstick during the workweek, so I picked up a new color from Beautycounter and received an additional complimentary lipstick for registering as a Beautycounter consultant! I plan to do a roundup of my favorite items, but below are a few items I’ve tried so far.
Favorite Beautycounter Products
Fav products under $35:
- Color Intense lipstick in Red if you prefer a classic red, try this one
- Sheer lipstick (color: Pearl)
- Hand lotion in Citrus Mimosa
- Bar soap in Citrus Mimosa
- Countercontrol SOS Ance Spot Treatment
I also just picked up the following:
Sign Me Up
If you’re curious about the Beautycounter brand and would like to consider safer products, I invite you to reach out to me. I would love to help you pick out products that will enhance your beauty and skincare routine. You can also directly shop Beautycounter’s website. If you make a purchase and find you don’t like the product, you can return it within 60 days for a full refund—no questions asked. It’s a win-win!
I’m also including the Band of Beauty loyalty program. If you sign up, you will receive the following perks: free shipping on orders of $100 or more, 10% back as store credit, and a free gift with purchase. The annual membership is $29.
Want to Make Some Extra Cash?
If you’re looking to earn additional income, consider becoming an independent Beautycounter consultant—you can join my team! I’d be happy to answer your questions and connect via email. Perks of being a consultant include working from home at your own pace, purchasing products at 25% off, and earning up to 35% commission on retail sales.
Other Ways to Get Involved
Sign up for my clean beauty emails to learn more about this movement and the benefits, and check out #BetterBeauty on social media.
What questions do you have about clean beauty? What type of clean beauty-related blog posts would you like to see in the future?
Shop the Look
Dress: Banana Republic (via thredUp) | Jacket: Embellish c/o | Headband: Lace & Pearls Jewelry | Necklace: Lace & Pearls Jewelry | Rings: Rebekah J. Designs (here & here) | Sandals: Old | Purse: Rebecca Minkoff (old) | Lipstick: Beauty Counter (color red)
*c/o: courtesy of or gifted
Photography: Nicholas Mercado
Great read, Asa!! Thanks for sharing your journey of living your best life!!!