Best & Worst Sunscreens to Use

Because Summer is rapidly approaching, I felt compelled to share this Sunscreen Hall of Shame list created by the Environmental Working Group as it exposes the worst, most unsafe sunscreens you may be using on yourself and families. Every single time I see someone getting sprayed down with a bottle of Banana Boat or Coppertone, I die a little inside because I know that most people simply aren’t aware of the toxins that really exist in these products. We use sunscreen because we are told it’s safe and what we should do, but, do you really know what you are applying to your skin in the hot sun? Here is what the EWG has found.

There are a lot of sunscreens on the market: some good, some bad and then the shameful. Those in the last category are not only a waste of money and time, but also potentially harmful. Here are our picks for products to banish from your beach bag forever.

  • Spray sunscreens can be inhaled, and they don’t cover your skin completely.
  • SPF’s above 50+ trick you into thinking they prevent sun damage, they don’t.
  • SPF protection tops out at 30 to 50.
  • Oxybenzone can disrupt the hormone system.
  • Retinyl Palmitate may trigger damage, possibly cancer.
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Aya Magic Natural Skincare Review

Another day, another fabulous skin care line to share with you all! Today’s featured brand is the amazing Aya Magic line, inspired by the skin care traditions of the Mediterranean, based on creating products from natural, cold-pressed, pure essential oils and botanical extracts. I had the privilege of trying this line out and I am excited to share a few of my favorite items with you all today. As always, I like starting my review with my favorite parts of the company, so, check out why I love this line the most!

Why I love Aya Magic-

  • 100% Natural products.
  • Free of parabens, synthetics, petrochemicals, fragrances, fillers, SLS, alcohol, silicones, phtalates, gluten and preservatives.
  • Products are made in small batches with an expiration date to ensure freshness & effectiveness.
  • They are cruelty-free, only tested on eager and willing human friends and family!

Now that you know why I was so eager to try the line out, we can now chat about some of my favorite items by Aya Magic.

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How to Whiten Teeth With Activated Charcoal

I love a nice, bright white smile, what I don’t love, however, are the crazy chemicals that most conventional teeth whiteners come with. While many dentists will tell you that the teeth whitening process is safe, I personally avoid it for various reasons, here’s why:

  1. I have super sensitive teeth so bleaching really hurts me.
  2. Bleach can enter unknown cracks or cavities, further damaging nerves, which may result in a you needing a root canal.
  3. The bleaches are so strong, they can easily chemically burn your gums, skin, or tongue.
  4. Teeth whiteners contain potential carcinogens, which enter gums and mouth.
  5. Some whiteners contain chlorine dioxide which can destroy the enamel on your teeth. Chlorine dioxide is used to disinfect swimming pools and whitens teeth by eating away at the surface of the enamel.
  6. Even OTC whitening toothpaste comes with risks. Many contain Polyethylene Glycol, a carcinogen known for disrupting hormones with links to breast cancer.
  7. Many whiteners also contain Sodium Flouride, which despite what we’ve been told, has various negative effects and is considered a neurotoxin.
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Nudus Organic Lipstick in Revenge

Who doesn’t love the perfect cherry red lipstick? Especially on Cinco de Mayo? I am off to grab dinner, but I just had to share this Organic bold red lip on my way out! I am obsessed with Nudus lipsticks because:

  • They’re Organic, yet still super pigmented high performing lipsticks!
  • They contain vitamins, A, B, C, D, E, and K.
  • They’re loaded with antioxidants like pomegranate, raspberry, and kiwi cold pressed oils!
  • They’re made with 27 active natural ingredients, helping against environmental stress.
  • Their colors are made exclusively from flowers, fruits, herbs, and minerals!
  • They’re free from parabens, petrochemicals, lanolin, hydrogenated oils, fd&c, and lake dyes, nano-particles, GMOs, pesticides and fungicides.
  • They’re never tested on animals.
  • All of their products are Gluten free.

Here I am wearing Nudus Lipstick in the color Revenge, my other favorites are 27 Kisses & Survivor. Alright, gotta run but leave a comment below letting me know your favorite Nudus colors, I want to try a few more! xo

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What’s Really in NARS Lip Gloss?

NARS lipgloss used to be some of my favorite glosses, that was until I learned about what was really inside of them. Several NARS lip glosses contain various chemicals that should never be used! Check out what’s really in these!

What’s Really in NARS Lip Glosses?

  • Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate- A known and studied endocrine disruptor that affects estrogen and thyroid activity, with various links to breast cancer. This ingredient should never ever be applied to skin, especially on lips that lead to accidental consumption.
  • Red 30 Lake- A synthetic dye considered to be a Class 3 carcinogen.
  • Polyethylene- A non-biodegradable microplastic. While these glosses are beautiful, you couldn’t pay me to use them anymore, especially knowing there are just as pretty lip glosses on the market without this junk in them.

Some clean lipgloss lines to check out instead: FITGLOW BEAUTY, ILIA Beauty, Vapour Organic Beauty, or Gabriel Cosmetics. Help me spread this info, share this with a friend who could use this info! xo

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