With a Conscience

With a Conscience
In our hunt to find the healthiest skincare products available,
we slathered on hundreds of serums, scrubs, and shampoos.
Here are the ones we can’t live without—the winners of Natural
Solutions’ first-ever Beauty With a Conscience Awards.
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PHOTOGRAPHY: KIM COOK; HAIR AND MAKEUP STYLIST: KARI KISCH FOR DONNA BALDWIN TALENT; MODEL: LAUREN GARCEAU FOR DONNA BALDWIN TALENT
Beauty...
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Face
1. Best Cleanser for Dry to Normal Skin
Talulah Vanilla Bean Cleanser
We’re hooked on this exotic cleanser with vanilla bean, jasmine rice,
rose hips, hempseed, and nettles. ($22, 4 oz; talulahskincare.com)
We also loved: Kimberly Sayer of London Gentle Face Cleanser ($25,
5 oz; kimberlysayer.com); a soy-based creamy cleanser with seaweed and
lavender. Arcona White Tea Purifying Cleanser ($42, 3.7 oz; arcona.com);
a healing combination of white and green teas, cranberry, and yucca.
2. Best Cleanser for Oily to Normal Skin
Amala Purify Gel Cleanser
Amala means “most pure” in Sanskrit, a fitting description of this luxurious
white clay, blue lotus, and green tea cleanser. ($21, 1.7 oz; amalabeauty.com)
We also loved: Suki Exfoliating Lemongrass Cleanser ($30, 4 oz;
sukipure.com); this mix of chamomile, rice, rose hips, and sugar melts
and foams into skin. Monave Honey-Clay Cleanser ( $15, 2 oz; monave.com); works great as a gentle three-minute mask.
*
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3. Best Toner
Terressentials Exfoliating Facial Toner
This bouquet of flower extracts brightened and de-blotched our officedrained skin. ($17, 4 oz; terressentials.com)
We also loved: Devita Cool Cucumber Toner ($21, 6 oz; devita.net);
a great midday beauty refresher. Derma e Vanilla Bean Revitalizing
Toner ($16, 6 oz; dermae.net); sweet-smelling and hard-working.
4. Best Moisturizer
Kimberly Sayer Daily Moisturizing Cream
Not too thick or greasy, this antioxidant-packed moisturizer with SPF 25 left
us feeling protected and ready for anything. ($32, 2 oz; kimberlysayer.com)
We also loved: Lavera Faces Balancing Calendula Cream ($23, 1 oz;
lavera.com); calms irritated skin. Sophyto Mega Omegas Day Face
Moisturizer ($45, 1.35 oz; sophyto.com) hydrates all day long.
5. Best Serum
Aqua Dessa Super Potent Antioxidant Serum
Our skin drank in the Napa Valley–grown grape seed oil and the gammalinoleic acid in the black currant oil. ($50, 1.65 oz; aquadessa.com)
We also loved: Ikove by Florestas Organic Açaì Age-Resisting Serum
($28, 1 oz; ikove.com); antioxidant-packed oil with Amazonian herbs.
Kim Erickson’s Everyday Organics Intensive Repair Facial Serum
($72, 1 oz; everyday-organics.com) revives depleted skin.
6. Best Mask
Nude Miracle Mask
Enriched with probiotics, this clear mask left our skin completely refreshed—
perfect to use before a Saturday night out. ($70, 1.4 oz; nudeskincare.com)
We also loved: Kibio Pureness Radiance Mask ($30, 1.7 oz; kibio.com);
white clay and black pepper revitalize skin. VonNatur Chaotic Powder
Facial Masque ($53, 5 oz; vonnatur.com); activated charcoal works wonders.
*
toxin-free bodycare doesn’t come cheap—
*lookChoosing
for the asterisk, which denotes a beauty bargain.
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CORBIS
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wenty years ago, if a woman
wanted to “go natural” with
her beauty routine, she had
just a few choices: hitting
the local health food store
and scavenging through a meager offering of
products, making lotions herself, or doing
without (as in deodorant). The times have
changed, and what was a fl edgling market has
turned into a thriving $800 million industry.
Today so many companies are making good,
clean beauty products that we felt it was time for an
official shout-out—Natural Solutions’ first annual
Beauty With a Conscience Awards. But finding truly pure skincare proved no easy task.
Unfortunately, even products marketW
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as “natural” can come packed with
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hormone disrupters, carcinogens, toxic by-products, and heavy metals. In
fact,
the average woman applies more
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150 chemicals through her skinSC
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care daily. Knowing the link between
this unnecessary toxin exposure and serious health concerns, we made the decision to honor
companies that use only the cleanest, healthiest ingredients available—companies with a conscience.
And we chose to host these awards in October—in
conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
But how did we decide what to allow and what
needed the boot? Some ingredients, like parabens,
were no-brainers to banish, but others were hard
to get our head around—and that was just the
pronunciation. Fortunately we discovered Whole
Foods Market’s Premium Body Care standard,
which deems over 250 toxins unacceptable in personal care products. We used their research as a
basis for our award criteria (to learn more about
what you don’t want in your skincare and why,
visit naturalsolutionsmag.com/go/beauty).
Congratulations to the more than 100 companies whose products passed our standards.
From conglomerates to kitchen-sink operations, these companies have gone out on a limb
(often at the expense of their own bottom line)
to make skincare safe for women, children, and,
increasingly, men.
We enlisted our entire editorial staff to help
choose the finalists. In the line of duty, we exfoliated,
misted, and creamed twice daily (sometimes more!)
to test 600-plus products, boldly laying down our
skins for the sake of honest reporting. Boyfriends,
babies, and even our grandmothers joined our efforts, and the result is a cherry-picked collection of
winners and finalists that we are proud to honor.
—lindsey galloway and elizabeth marglin
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7. Best Night Cream
9. Best Exfoliant
Jurlique Biodynamic Beauty Night Lotion
Simply Divine Botanicals Skin Polish
Made from biodynamic herbs grown on Jurlique’s Australian farm,
this lotion got our faces through the night becalmed and rejuvenated.
($55, 1.3 oz; jurlique.com)
We also loved: MyChelle Revitalizing Night Cream ($39, 1.2 oz;
mychelleusa.com); swoon-worthy scent with cactus and goji berry.
Om Crème Luxe White Truffle Face Cream ($95, 1.7 oz; omaroma.
com) includes indulgent truffles—prized for restoring skin’s luminosity.
Honey, raspberries, and apple pectin make for a jammy texture that eats
away dead skin cells. ($30, 4 oz; simplydivinebotanicals.com)
We also loved: Aqua Dessa Chocolate Black Currant Facial Scrub ($28,
6 oz; aquadessa.com); can’t go wrong when the first ingredient is real dark
chocolate. Solay Daily Detox Gentle Face Scrub ($28, 4 oz; natural-saltlamps.com) replenishes with Himalayan salt and organic jojoba beads.
10. Best Lip Balm
8. Best Eye Cream
Better Botanicals Ayurvedic Lip Balm
Talulah Luna Undereye Cream
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Drenched fine lines with hydrating macadamia nut and avocado oils, then
nourished our over-40 under-eye area with botanical infusions of chrysanthemum, borage, and green tea. ($29, 0.5 oz; talulahskincare.com)
We also loved: Dr. Hauschka Daily Revitalizing Eye Cream ($50, 0.5 oz;
drhauschka.com); pineapple delivers wrinkle-smoothing superpowers.
Earth Science Azulene Eye Treatment ( $14, 1 oz; earthessentials.com)
puts the kibosh on puffiness and dark circles.
*
We’re addicted to these ayurvedic balms that come in invigorating cardamom and ginger and also sweet-smelling nectarine, mango, rose-mint,
and passionfruit. They even helped us stave off cold sores with the amino
acid L-lysine. ( $5, 0.15 oz; betterbotanicals.com)
We also loved: Juice Beauty SPF 8 Lip Moisturizer ( $7, 0.15 oz;
juicebeauty.com); soothing sun protection from minerals, aloe, and honey.
Pangea Ecocentric Lipcare ( $13, 0.25 oz; pangeaorganics.com); filled with
healing hempseed oil and vitamin-rich citrus.
*
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*
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Perfume
and Makeup
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1. Best Foundation
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*
We also loved: Monave Matte Blushes ( $14; monave.com); deep, rich
colors. Larénim Blush ($20; larenim.com); subtle pinks and plums that last.
Alima Satin Matte Foundation
Never cakey, this light powder imparted a healthy radiance and all-day
coverage. Plus their 60 shades are bound to match any skin tone. ($20;
alimacosmetics.com)
We also loved: Larénim Pressed Mineral Foundation ($25; larenim.
com); nifty travel-friendly design. Suki Tinted Active Moisturizer SPF
($46, 1.2 oz; sukicolor.com); versatile coverage for everyday wear.
2. Best Eyeshadow
5. Best Lipstick
Earth’s Beauty Lipstick
Moisturizing shea and aloe make this one smooth move for your
smacker. We liked Mandarin Coral. ( $13; earthsbeauty.com)
We also loved: Primitive Natural Lip Color ($16; primitivemakeup.com);
vibrant color with smooth-as-silk texture. Jane Iredale PureMoist Lip
Colour ($19; janeiredale.com); irresistible, dramatic hues with SPF 18.
*
Monave Versatile Mineral Powders
*
3. Best Mascara
Larénim Mineralash Mascara
Enriched with lash-strengthening biotin, this mascara plumped up lashes
without clumping. ($16; larenim.com)
We also loved: 100% Pure Ultra Lengthening Mascara ($21; 100percent
pure.com); color from blackberries, blueberries, and açaí. Earth’s Beauty
Natural Mascara ( $8; earthsbeauty.com) comes in a handy travel size.
*
4. Best Blush
Alima Satin Matte Blush
This color left our cheeks with a lovely glow that garnered us a boatload of
compliments whenever we wore it. ( $15; alimacosmetics.com)
*
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100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Lip Gloss
Want a subtle sheen without overdosing on color? This gorgeous gloss
made from fruit pigments gave our lips the perfect pout without overwhelming our style. ( $13; 100percentpure.com)
We also loved: Burt’s Bees Lip Shimmer ( $5; burtsbees.com); fun,
flirty tints with peppermint flavor. EcoTints Lip Moisturizer ( $4; ecolips.
com); the ideal lipstick-chapstick combo.
*
*
*
7. Best Perfume
Tsi~La Eau de Parfum Collection
An exquisite gift or the ultimate self-indulgence, Tsi~La uses a base
of coconut oil infused with botanical extracts that fight free radicals.
($75, 0.5 oz; tsilaorganics.com)
We also loved: Aftelier Parfum de Maroc ($150, 0.25 oz; aftelier.
com); a spicy Moroccan blend. Pacifica Solid Perfume ( $9, 0.3 oz;
pacificaperfume.com); portable case makes it great for a quick spruce
up after a lunch-hour workout.
*
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*
6. Best Gloss and Tints
GETTY
We loved the rich range of colors that perked up our lids with a feminine shimmer without being too glittery. ( $8; monave.com)
We also loved: 100% Pure Eye Shadow Palette ($35; 100percentpure.
com); six colors pigmented with fruit or cocoa. Oberon Loose Eye
Powder ( $10; oberoncosmetics.com); deep, colorful choices.
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1. Best Shampoo
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Simply Organic Moisture Rich Wash
All too often natural shampoos feel more like honey or oil,
but Simply Organic lathered like a champ and left no residue.
($26, 8.5 oz; simplyorganicbeauty.com)
We also loved: Alaffia Shea and Henna Moisturizing Shampoo
( $11, 8 oz; alaffia.com); African black soap made for a good lather.
*
2. Best Conditioner
Yarok Green With Envy Volume Conditioner
We don’t think it was a coincidence that we had a perfect hair day
after using this luxurious conditioner. ($39, 8.5 oz; yarokhair.com)
We also loved: Shear Miracles Calming Organic Conditioner
($16, 8 oz; shearmiracles.net); lovely lime and chamomile
scent—plus it kept our tresses in line.
3. Best Styling Gel
John Masters Organics Sweet Orange
& Silk Protein Styling Gel
Finding a trustworthy hair gel that actually holds, let alone one
that is natural, is no easy task. But this one held our style without
weighing it down. ($18, 8 oz; johnmasters.com)
We also loved: Jane Carter Wrap and Roll ( $9, 8 oz; janecarter
solution.com); great for controlling curls. Miessence Shape Hair
Styling Gel ($23, 8.5 oz; organicvision.mionegroup.com) nourishes
hair while it sculpts.
*
4. Best Hair Treatments
Miessence Protect B5 Hair Repair
Our locks loved how this after-shower spray boosted shine and
body. ($29, 8.5 oz; organicvision.mionegroup.com)
We also loved: Origins Organics Conditioning Hair Oil ($23,
1 oz; origins.com); sunflower and olive oils drenched hair with
lasting shine.
Men
Even if your man hasn’t committed to your rigorous skincare routine,
we still think he deserves an indulgent, toxin-free shave.
Best Shaving Cream
TOP: GETTY; BOTTOM: LISA GAGNE
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Burt’s Bees Shave Cream
While it took some time to adjust from the foamy stuff to this emollient oilbased blend, our testers raved about this cream’s ability to leave their faces
nick-free every morning. ( $8, 6 oz; burtsbees.com)
*
Best Aftershave
Miessence After Shave Balm
This balm cooled down skin with aloe vera and chamomile and left our
testers’ faces kissably soft. ($24, 3.4 oz; organicvision.mionegroup.com))
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1. Best Body Cleanser
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NaturOli Rich & Invigorating Body Wash
The extra virgin olive oil in this body wash makes it ultra-hydrating and
perfect for everyday use. ($23, 8.4 oz; naturoli.com)
We also loved: Pangea Organics Body Wash ( $14, 8 oz; pangea
organics.com); lavender and cardamom scent lasts all day. Femme Shower
Gel ($30, 6.8 oz; oliviernewyork.com) leaves skin fresh and silky.
*
2. Best Lotion
Pangea Organics Hand & Body Lotion
We were amazed at how moisturizing this lotion feels considering how
light it goes on. And the subtle scent of chamomile, orange, and lavender was a crowd-pleaser—even our male testers enjoyed putting it on.
($17, 8 oz; pangea.com)
We also loved: Weleda Skin Food ($17, 2.5 oz; shop.weleda.com); creamy
and super emollient. Nude Moisturizing Body Cream ($48, 6.8 oz; nudeskincare.com); use it in lieu of perfume.
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3. Best Body Oil
Bella Luccè Tahitian Body Glaze
Putting on this silky oil actually made us feel like one of those buttery
desserts shimmering in the window of a French pâtisserie. ($26, 3.7 oz;
bellalucce.com)
We also loved: Nude Hibiscus Monoi ($72, 6.8 oz; nudeskincare.com);
indulgent hibiscus-infused Tahitian coconut oil. Sunshine Botanicals
Bodylixer ($65, 8 oz; sunshinebotanicals.com) nourishes and repairs
dry, sensitive skin.
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4. Best Body Scrub
Kibio Exfoliating Body Scrub
*
5. Best Body Spritz
Origins Organics Silkening Body Spritz
Hate that your lotions never reach that itchy, dry spot on your back?
Origins solves the problem with its smart spray-bottle design and hydrating
sunflower oil. ($25, 5 oz; origins.com)
We also loved: Olivier Femme Body Toner ($42, 8 oz; oliviernewyork.
com); all-day beauty refresher.
6. Best Hand Cream
Bio’Etic Organic Aloe Hand Cream
Forget creams that leave your hands too greasy. This lotion goes on
thick but soaks in quickly for around-the-clock moisture. ($23, 2.5 oz;
naturenvy.com)
We also loved: Amala Hydrate Hydrating Hand Cream ($27, 1.7 oz;
amalabeauty.com); rich without being too heavy. Climb On! Cream ($27,
4.5 oz; climbonproducts.com); packed with essential oils.
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7. Best Foot Lotion
Kneipp Cooling Foot Gel
Our rough calluses couldn’t resist this blend of soothing calendula and
almond oil. Plus rosemary essential oil kept foot odor on the down low.
($22, 2.5 oz; kneippus.com)
We also loved: NaturOli Deep Penetrating Foot Creme ($35, 3.4 oz;
naturoli.com) smooths and soothes the driest of feet. Burt’s Bees Peppermint Foot Lotion ( $9, 3.4 oz; burtsbees.com); creamy emulsion
leaves tootsies refreshed.
*
8. Best Massage Oil
Weleda Arnica Massage Oil
Perfect after a long day hunched over at the office or an intense workout, this therapeutic warming oil is a massage must-have. ($17, 3.4 oz;
shop.weleda.com)
We also loved: Burt’s Bees Lemon & Vitamin E Body and Bath Oil
( $8, 4 oz; burtsbees.com) leaves skin deliciously supple. Issimo Relax!
Rosemary Mint Massage Cream Oil ($26, 8 oz; issimointernational.com)
smells as good as it feels.
*
SLADJANA LUKIC
This scrub left our skin so soft and glowing, we were tempted to use it
every day instead of the recommended once or twice weekly. The
combination of cranberry, shea butter, and lemongrass makes for a
fragrant treat. ($30, 4.7 oz; kibio.com)
We also loved: Ila Body Scrub ($98, 8.8 oz; ila-spa.com); a luxurious
spa-like treatment. Giovanni Purifying Exfoliant Body Scrub ( $10,
6 oz; giovannicosmetics.com) rinsed off easily and left skin soft.
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9. Best Deodorant
Neal’s Yard Remedies Lemon &
Coriander Deodorant
How refreshing that this British import kept us
stink-free even after hiking in 90-degree heat.
Must be thanks to the spray’s antibacterial lichen
extract and the essential oil blend of citrus, sage,
coriander, clove, palmarose, and lavender. ($25,
3.4 oz; nyrusa.com)
We also loved: Weleda Sage Deodorant
( $11, 3.4 oz; shop.weleda.com); this nonirritating spray held odor-causing bacteria at bay.
Lafe’s Natural Hemp Oil Roll-On Deodorant
( $8, 3 oz; lafes.com); mineral salts and tea-tree
oil pack an antibacterial one-two punch.
*
SLADJANA LUKIC
*
10. Best Bath Product
Perfect Organics Bath Therapy
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coconut oil, rose petals, and four types of sea
salts. ($23, 8 oz; perfectorganics.com)
We also loved: Tara Spa Bath Therapy Sampler Set ($30, four 3-oz canisters; taraspa.com);
four soaks for all your aches. ■
Now it’s your turn . . .
Let us know what products we missed
and what we nailed. Log on to
naturalsolutionsmag.com/go/beauty to:
1) Find out who else won for eight more
categories, including best baby line and
most eco-friendly packaging.
2) Get free samples and coupons from
participating beauty companies.
3) Email us a list of your favorite natural
beauty products for a chance to win a
basket full of award winners.
The bath bar has been set high by this blend of
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