By Anne Benton
When my friend, Elizabeth Hulsey, pictured above with her dad, Roy, reached out to me about doing a guest post on the blog for her Beautycounter business, I jumped at the chance. So many of the Beautycounter reps have a strong conviction and reason for choosing to sell the non-toxic and “clean” brand. I wanted Elizabeth to share her personal story of turning “pain into purpose,” to grow awareness around smart and healthy beauty practices.
Read on below, for her story:
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Hey Ladies…I know you’ve been waiting for it! December is the time of the year when Nordstrom has their BIG Half-Yearly 50% off Sale.
I have been wearing this PJ Salvage nightshirt with grey leggings on repeat…they are so comfy cozy & now on sale! With cotton pj’s, I usually go one size-up so they don’t shrink too much in the dryer.
Also, the purple cut-out dress (seen above and shown here in my recent blog post) is now on sale, featured here & under $60.
XXOO, Anne Benton
I love my new Fall Box with Fab, Fit, Fun! Please use the code ANNE10 for $10 off your first box at wwww.fabfitfun.com. Included in the box: Skin Laundry Serum, Pure Cosmetics Eyeshadow Pallette, ModCloth Blanket Scarf, French Lavender Body Oil, Things Coloring Book with Pencils, Bulgarian Rose Sponge, ToeSox, and Not Pictured (Travel Coffee Mug, & Secret Deodorant).
Hey Guys…the Fab, Fit, Fun Box is one of my favorite things about a new season. With each new season, they will send you a themed box full of goodies for your wellness, beauty, and style. It is a great surprise to look forward to every season! Please use the code ANNE10 for $10 off your first box at wwww.fabfitfun.com. Enjoy your new box, the winter one should be coming to your door step soon!
Have a Wonderful Thursday! Anne Benton
These products were provided by Fab, Fit, Fun. However, all opinions expressed herein are my own.
Pictured: (Phyto Pigments Lip Crayon, Ultra Natural Mascara, Cream Blush, Green Apple Peel Sensitive, Green Apple Age Defy Serum)
Juice Beauty is a leading certified organic beauty and skincare line that is using powerful natural ingredients instead of harsh toxins, which can result in a wide-range of health issues. I was so excited when they (Juice) contacted me to do a product review!! I am always looking for opportunities to share safe beauty options with my readers. If you would like to learn more about how “conventional” beauty is potentially harming your health, please read my article “What’s Inside Our Cosmetics…”.
Green Apple Peel Sensitive, Green Apple Age Defy Serum
All of their products are formulated without Parabens, petroleum, pesticides, propylene or butylene glycols, phthalates, sulfates, PEGs, TEA, DEA, GMO, silicones, gluten, artificial dyes, or synthetic fragrances. Most of the latter ingredients are endocrine disruptors or carcinogens.
The Green Apple Peel Sensitive is one of my favorites. It did not sting at all, smells nice, and left my skin much brighter and radiant. I immediately applied the Green Apple Age Defy Serum, which soaks in very quickly (not sticky at all), followed by the Green Apple Age Defy Moisturizer. You only use the Green Apple peel twice a week, so it is not this overly high-maintenance beauty routine!
Phyto Pigments Lip Crayon, Cream Blush
I have had two photo shoots for my outfit posts in the last few weeks and have sampled all of the makeup they provided, including the Phyto Pigments Lip Crayon, and Cream Blush (pictured above). I have been using the lip crayon in “Cherry Red” for a bold fall lip color. I have dry skin, so cream blush works nicely for me…it looks so natural and blends in easily. Who would have thought you could have high-performance makeup without all the harmful ingredients!? It just takes a little effort and research, you guys!
Obviously, using organic products, makeup, and food is a personal lifestyle decision. I have seen so many people around me diagnosed with all forms of cancer and have been profoundly impacted by this. Not to mention, as a female, I am always looking for ways to balance my hormones, which in turn, calms down breakouts. So, I am not telling everyone what to use or not use…just that I have found awesome results in products that do not have these risky side effects.
More on Safe Beauty:
I have made a personal decision to live a “clean” life and try to reduce my overall exposure to harmful chemicals and toxins. I feel better, sleep better, and have better skin…even better than when I was using top-shelf department store brands, such as La Mer or Bobbi Brown. The sad truth is that there are many ladies (even many friends of mine) that suffer from PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome, infertility, and other endocrine probs).
Most of the mainstream products we use to fix the breakouts caused by hormonal problems, such as PCOS, actually make the underlying root problem worse because they contain chemicals that disrupt hormone levels. When you add up the makeup + skincare + conventional food + plastic containers + environmental = Huge Lifetime Cumulative Toxic Buildup = Oxidative Stress on Cells = Cancer or Other Probs. Yes, there are genetic factors, exercise and other lifestyle decisions that have an enormous impact. We cannot change genetics. However, we can change how we stock our bathroom beauty arsenal.
SHOP More from Juice Beauty:
As Always, thanks for Reading! Anne Benton
Photos by Amy J Owen Photography. These products were gifted to me by Juice Beauty. All opinions expressed herein are my own.
Hello lovely ladies! I am writing this post because I feel strongly about using my platform to educate as many women as possible on the potentially harmful consequences of using particular cosmetic and personal care brands. I know this is a controversial topic and it even took me a long time to start believing what I was being “told” about this industry, but after many months of researching and due diligence, I have to report on everything I have discovered.
I was shocked and read more below to find out why I emptied my bathroom, shower, and makeup bag completely. Bottom line, you will not find me promoting any cosmetics or personal care products that are harmful to women or children.
For the past 30 years of my life, I have been making trips to Target, Walgreens, and Sephora to purchase whatever makeup, fragrance, or new body wash looked and/or smelled good to me. I never thought twice about what was “inside” these gorgeous bottles or shiny products promising to make me look or smell amazing. Sadly, most of these products are just “rotten” on the inside and can cause so much lasting damage. Dirty Fact #1: According to their website, “The FDA does not have the legal authority to approve cosmetics before they go on the market. ”
BAD INGREDIENT #1: PHTHALATES
Secret Code Name: Dinbutylphthalate (DBP) or Diethylphthalate (DEP)
Causes Damage to the Following: Endocrine System AKA Hormones, Reproductive Fertility, Development and Breast Cancer
Found In: Cosmetics, Personal Care Products, Hair Spray, Lotions, Fragrance (Perfume, Air Fresheners, Laundry Detergent), household cleaners; also found in highly processed, non-organic food, certain plastics
The Research: According the the Environmental Working Group (EWG), “current chemical regulations in the United States do not require that new or existing chemicals be tested for their ability to disrupt the hormone system.” Wow..that sounds great! The article also goes on to say that this toxin mimics hormones in our body and even a small amount can cause havoc on our hormone system.
Furthermore, the Breast Cancer Fund found that, “phthalates have been shown to disrupt the development and functioning of male and female reproductive systems by interfering with the production of testosterone and estradiol, respectively (Jiang, 2007; Lovekamp-Swan, 2003).” They also found that some studies linked phthalates to early breast development in girls which has been shown to increase breast cancer risk (Breast Cancer Fund, J. Gray, Ph.D.).
PHTHALATES Continued, Action Plan:
ONE:
I know this can be overwhelming, but what I did was to first go through my existing product inventory. I downloaded the “Think Dirty” App on my IPhone and scanned the barcode on each of my products to determine which products were toxic. The app cross-references ingredient information with lists of prohibited ingredients from government and non-profit health and environmental groups. It has a “dirty meter” and has a rating scale on a) carcinogenic properties, b) reproductive/developmental toxins, and c) allergenicity and immunotoxicity. I had to get rid of 90% of my products. It was heartbreaking- you just can’t read and believe every product label!
TWO:
Both the EWG and the Think Dirty APP provide a database of products with ratings so you can choose the safest options. Slowly start to replace your products. For instance, for week one, you may choose to stop wearing nail polish OR find a healthy alternative, purchase fragrance free non-toxic laundry detergent, and get rid of you air fresheners. In week two, you could start with your cosmetics, getting rid of harmful perfumes and body wash.
The point is that you don’t have to get rid of everything all at once if you cannot afford to, just start with the MOST toxic products, such as nail polish, air fresheners, & perfume and slowly move down the list. Even the products I had that were listed as being “natural,” were anything but…so frustrating!!
Not to make this even harder, but eating “clean” and organic food that is not packaged in plastic will reduce your phthalate exposure.
TRUSTED BRANDS:
Since doing a lot of research, I have found the following brands/products to be safe:
Beauty Counter, Honest Company, Acure, Dr. Bronner (also at Whole Foods), Burt’s Bee’s , Select Products from Tarte Cosmetics, Piggy Paint Nail Polish (also kid-friendly), Alba Botanica ; most of these products can be found on Amazon, at Whole Foods Market or other natural food stores. *Always use your Think Dirty app to scan and/or research products prior to purchase.
Other Harmful Chemicals:
(1) BHA and BHT (butylated hydroxyanisole and butylated hydroxytoluene) : Allergic Reactions, Possible Human Carcinogen, Hormone Function (European Commission on Endocrine Disruption). Please see the David Suzuki Foundation website for more research.
(2) Parabens: Used as a preservative in cosmetics and in fragrance ingredients. According to the David Suzuki Foundation, “the European Commission on Endocrine Disruption has listed parabens as Category 1 priority substances, based on evidence that they interfere with hormone function. iii Parabens can mimic estrogen, the primary female sex hormone. They have been detected in human breast cancer tissues, suggesting a possible association between parabens in cosmetics and cancer. Parabens may also interfere with male reproductive functions. iv In addition, studies indicate that methylparaben applied on the skin reacts with UVB leading to increased skin aging and DNA damage.”
(3) Triclosans: According to the David Suzuki Foundation, “Triclosan is used mainly in antiperspirants/deodorants, cleansers, and hand sanitizers as a preservative and an anti-bacterial agent.” They also found that, “Triclosan can pass through skin i and is suspected of interfering with hormone function (endocrine disruption).”
I could go on and on, but quite honestly, it would get more depressing. The point is to be proactive and do your research, download the Think Dirty app or EWG app, and make the best decisions you can. I am not telling anyone the best way to raise their kids. However, they cannot make adult decisions or purchases, yet their future health (developmental, cancer, and fertility) is being affected by the cumulative use of these products. We cannot control everything and nor should we try, but finding safe cosmetics and personal care items should be easy.
TRUSTED BRANDS:
Since doing a lot of research, I have found the following brands/products to be safe:
Beauty Counter, Honest Company, Acure, Dr. Bronner (also at Whole Foods), Burt’s Bee’s , Select Products from Tarte Cosmetics, Piggy Paint Nail Polish (also kid-friendly), Alba Botanica ; most of these products can be found on Amazon, at Whole Foods Market or other natural food stores. *Always use your Think Dirty app to scan and/or research products prior to purchase.
Thanks for Reading,
Anne Benton
Photos by: Casto Photography & Cinema
Dr. Sarah Cely, Pictured Above, of Savannah River Dermatology
Happy Tuesday, Everyone! Last week, I had the pleasure of interviewing local Augusta dermatologist, Sarah Cely, with Savannah River Dermatology. I had been wanting to do a local interview and thought, why not start with an expert who can speak to summer skin care?
Here is a little more on Sarah’s background — she is a native of Augusta and received her undergraduate degree from Wake Forest University. She attended medical school at the University of Louisville. She completed an internship in Internal Medicine and residency in Dermatology at the Medical College of Georgia in 2011. Lastly, she is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Georgia Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, and Augusta Dermatology Society.
I learned so much from our one-on-one interview and will be making some major changes in my daily routine!
With summer upon us, what is the best way to prevent sun damage while enjoying the great outdoors?
Sarah: Regular use of a an SPF 30 Sunscreen or Higher, with re-application every 80 minutes. The higher-level SPF’s are fine, too, but they still have to be re-applied every 80 minutes. In addition to sunscreen, avoid the times of the highest UV-rays, from 10am-2 pm and seek shade when possible. Also, UV-Protective Clothing is another from of sun protection, as regular clothing does not protect you 100%. Lastly, I also recommend using a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
So, I forgot to reapply my sunscreen at the beach, and end up with a burn. What should I do next?
Sarah: The best way to alleviate pain is with Aloe-Vera and a cool-compress; you should also avoid direct sunlight for the next several days. The natural course of progression is redness and swelling for a few days, followed by peeling. When you do start to peel, the most important thing is to moisturize regularly to promote new skin-cell turnover and heal the skin. Very rarely do you need to seek medical attention, but if you start to have fever, chills, or feel ill –see a doctor.
How often should I get checked for skin cancer, and at what age should young women start coming in for screening?
Sarah: There is no age of recommendation at which to begin skin exams. If you have a family history of melanoma or non-melanoma skin cancer, have multiple blistering sunburns, or if you are using or have used tanning beds, you should have your skin checked routinely. A good rule-of-thumb is that women should start getting screened around the time they start having routine gynecological exams & and should plan on coming in once a year.
Gradual Self Tanner || La Mer “the Perfecting Treatment” || Smashbox Waterproof Mascara || Travel Size Mia Fit (Clarasonic) || Clinique CC Spf 30 Cream || Urban Decay, Beached Bronzer || Oribe Anti-Humidity Spray
Having the right summer beauty products can make or break you, lady! With brutal heat and humidity on most summer days, I need something that actually w-o-r-k-s. Most of my beauty products go through rigorous testing, as I have to do long photoshoots during all seasons. Here are a few that pass the test:
Gradual Self Tanner: This St. Tropez self tanner gives you an instant result, and it does not have a strong smell at all. This is a great alternative to sunbathing or getting in the tanning bed.
La Mer “the Perfecting Treatment”: A silky treatment that sweeps away dull surface cells, helps reduce visible redness, energizes the skin and lifts the look of discoloration, all while enhancing radiance. Great for anyone who wants to improve skin texture, tone and translucency. On days when you want to go makeup-free, blend a little with your SPF for a perfected, protected complexion. You can also customize your coverage by mixing The Perfecting Treatment with your favorite foundation.
Smashbox Waterproof Mascara: Everyone should switch over to good waterproof mascara during the summer months. Even if you are not planning on going to the beach or doing a lot of swimming, the humidity alone causes your mascara to clump and flake off. Here is a link to the Nordstrom “waterproof mascara” category.
Travel Size Mia Fit (Clarasonic): I need this in my life so badly!!! It is smaller and more lightweight than the traditional “Mia.” It comes with 2 speed settings, cleanser, brush head, and unique charger.
Clinique CC Spf 30 Cream: This must-have color-correcting formula smooths the complexion and creates an ultra-natural radiance. It instantly corrects a range of complexion concerns including dullness, sallowness, and redness. Perfect for wearing alone or under foundation and recommended for all skin types, the lightweight, oil-free cream moisturizes and protects with sunscreen, leaving the skin soft, fresh, and flawless. Also, it is SPF 30, which is much better for anti-aging than SPF-15.
Urban Decay, Beached Bronzer: Nail the golden goddess look every time with Beached Bronzer from Urban Decay. Dust this silky powder onto your face or all over your body for a beachy, sun-kissed look. Urban Decay’s finely milled, super-soft formula applies smoothly, doesn’t streak, and creates a radiant glow that locks into place. These universally flattering matte shades provide sheer, natural-looking coverage every time. Its HPP (Highlighter Performing Pigments) Technology is long-lasting and provides rich color with the perfect level of coverage.
Oribe Anti-Humidity Spray: I can’t even tell you how much I love this product!!! Living in the South, the humidity is non-stop, 100% during the summer and my hair POOFS! I use this before every photo shoot. It has a weightless/non-sticky formula and smells divine!
Thanks so Much for Reading!
Anne Stafford Benton
I am so excited today, because my Fab, Fit, Fun Spring Box just came in the mail & it is packed with wonderful goodies to try out! In case you are new to Fab, Fit, Fun, it is a subscription service that sends you boxes 4x a year containing beauty, fashion, fitness and wellness products (no sample sizes). All of the products are “top notch” and you will not be disappointed! The boxes are tailored to fit the season and they always make me try something new and awesome that I have never been exposed to before.
The subscription is a one-time payment of $49.00 and you can get $10.00 off by using the code, “ANNE10” at check-out & shipping is free.
So, what was included in the Spring Box?
*DIY Herb Garden by MakersKit with slots for Thyme, Basil, and Mint (Cannot wait)!
*ISH Contouring Kit, which includes 2 bronzer shades, a blush and highlighter; from celebrity makeup-artist and Fab, Fit, Fun Advisor, Joey Maalouf (Molly Sims, Rachel Zoe, Jessica Alba to name a few)
*Bath Bomb Trinity by Jus D’Amour (organic ingredients) essential oil blend, in eucalyptus, mint, & lime
*Keratin Gloves & Socks for an at-home spa session.
*Yoga Mat Strap by Merrithew –use as a resistance cord for strength training during yoga or as an alternative to a mat bag
*Hello Legs Shaving Emulation Lotion. Tried and LOVE! It goes on super smooth, as it is a blend of lotion & shaving cream.
*Not Pictured: Tag Necklace in Gold and Argan/Hemp Oil Therapy for your hair.
Don’t forget to sign up at Fab, Fit, Fun and use my code, “ANNE10” at checkout! This service is a STEAL for all of the amazing products you will receive once every few months and would make great Bridesmaids gifts or Girlfriend/Wife Gift!
Thanks for Following Along!
-Anne-
Kelly Teegarden Organic Beauty Line// Kelly Teegarden is a stage III Thyroid Cancer Survivor who passionately formulates Skincare & Cosmetics with no known cancer causing or endocrine disrupting ingredients. KTO is the first brand in the USA to be scientifically proven to have no endocrine disruptors.
From Left to Right:
Regenerate- Goji Pomegranate Face and Body Polish, Finally Natural Deodorant that Works, Vitality Rose & Cucumber Eye Cream, Natural Lip Gloss
Natural Lip Gloss// Free of cancer-causing agents, no soy, gluten free, PETA certified, & no endocrine disrupters. Enhance your lips, while hydrating and adding just the right amount of shimmer and color…15 different shades. Goes on smooth – no sticky gloss texture.
Regenerate- Goji Pomegranate Face and Body Polish// Shed some light on that dull skin with a unique natural, exfoliating treat, free of harsh chemicals, that works wonders even if you have sensitive skin. It allows you to gently exfoliate dead skin cells, with its multi-fruit complex, rich in antioxidants such as Goji Berries and Pomegranate.
Regenerate- Goji Pomegranate Face and Body Polish, Finally Natural Deodorant that Works, Vitality Rose & Cucumber Eye Cream, Natural Lip Gloss
Kelly Teegarden’s story is one of survival –-she made it through stage III papillary carcinoma, which was embedded on her windpipe. After a long journey of misdiagnosis from doctors, it was her own mother that noticed the tumor on her neck. She endured life-threatening surgeries, mind and body altering medications, and short-term memory loss.
Somehow, by the Grace of God, Kelly survived. She is now living a purpose-filled life in helping other women through her organic beauty products. I have been so touched by Kelly’s story and am so happy she has found the “silver-lining” and is able to help so many women.
KTO uses the highest grade effective natural and organic ingredients from around the world. At times we may use a synthetic but only if it passes our KTO Compliance. “I cannot knowingly use harmful ingredients after everything that I have been through since 60% of everything that goes on your skin goes into your bloodstream in 30 seconds,” states Teegarden.
Kelly’s passion is to make a difference in the world with her very own strict compliance. She did this because she had no idea that the majority of all of the cosmetics that she used before she was diagnosed were laden with cancer causing & endocrine disrupting ingredients. It wasn’t until she discovered that there is no regulation in this industry that she decided to regulate on her own. She is a pioneer in cosmetic manufacturing.
Take Charge of Your Health & Support Kelly’s Product Line Here.
-Anne-
These products were gifted to me. However, all opinions are my own and I am fully satisfied with the quality, safety, and effectiveness of each of these products.
