We Used All-Natural Beauty Products for 30 Days and It Literally Changed Our Lives—Here Are the Ones We're Obsessed With
We all know that green juice is better for our bodies than soda (not that it stops us from indulging every now and then...), but somewhere along the line, a bottle of fresh-squeezed kale became an It accessory carried by stars everywhere. And just like that, the healthier option got a whole lot more glamorous.
Now, the very same shift is happening in the beauty world. With so many celebs touting all-natural makeup and skin care—from Miranda Kerr to Teen Vogue cover girl Shailene Woodley (her big request on set: eco-chic makeup brand Tarte)—we're inspired to think twice about what we put not just in our bodies but on them, too. After all, skin is the largest organ, and as makeup's reigning green guru, Katey Denno, says, "If you can lower your overall toxic intake, why wouldn't you?"
With that in mind, Teen Vogue's 30-day beauty detox was born, prompting our whole team to clean out our makeup bags and trade the old standbys for a slew of natural goodies. The one-month road test yielded a fascinating result: Each day we woke up with clearer, brighter skin. Here's our post hoc roundup of the green stuff we're all still hooked on.
1/17Going green never looked so pretty.
Photo: Courtesy of Tracie Martyn2/17<a href="http://rstyle.me/~2CeXa" target="_blank">Tracie Martyn Amla Purifying Cleanser</a>
Pore-cleansing salicylic acid and resurfacing enzymes unclog without causing irritation. The result is smoother, more radiant skin with each wash.
Photo: Courtesy of Ilia3/17<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ILIAbeauty" target="_blank">Ilia Sheer Vivid Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20</a>
These tinted moisturizers, infused with calming aloe vera and healing white tea, give skin a perfect shine-free appearance.
Photo: Courtesy of Burt's Bees4/17<a href="http://rstyle.me/~2CeZK" target="_blank">Burt's Bees Lip Crayon</a>
A colorful pucker with no chemicals? Sign us up. "For a long time, there were no superpigmented natural lip colors available," says makeup artist Katey Denno. "These crayons are spectacular."
Photo: Courtesy of RMS5/17<a href="http://rstyle.me/~2Cf4o" target="_blank">RMS Beauty Defining Mascara</a>
This mascara, made with organic was, works wonders on dry, tattered lashes.
Photo: Courtesy of Joanna Vargas6/17<a href="http://rstyle.me/~2Cf0o" target="_blank">Joanna Vargas Skincare Eoliating Mask</a>
"My celeb clients swear by this. If they need to glow and I'm not nearby, they sleep with it on and wake up to great skin," says aesthetician Joanna Vargas. Or you can DIY it! "For a radiance-boosting mask, mix ½ avocado, ½ cup yogurt, and 3 tablespoons honey," Vargas says. "Honey is hydrating, and avocado oil is packed with skin-plumping fatty acids."
Photo: Courtesy of Tata Harper7/17<a href="http://www.tataharperskincare.com/volumizing-lip-and-cheek-tint-very-charming" target="_blank">Tata Harper Volumizing Lip & Cheek Tint in Very Charming</a>
Dab this on lips and cheeks for that just-ran-through-a-field flush. Bonus points for its anti-inflammatory ingredients.
Photo: Courtesy of Beauty Counter8/17<a href="http://www.beautycounter.com/wash-everyday-body-wash.html" target="_blank">Beauty Counter Wash Everyday Body Wash</a>
The creamy texture of this nourishing body wash won't leave you parched post-shower. Translation: You can use it everyday without stripping your skin of its natural moisture.
Photo: Courtesy of Beauty Counter9/17<a href="http://www.beautycounter.com/everyday-am-hydrating-cream.html" target="_blank">Beauty Counter Every Day AM Hydrating Cream</a>
One swipe of this ultra-hydrating (and paraben-free!) face cream, and your skin will experience an instant surge of moisture. A rich mix of coconut oil, aloe, and lavender extracts, the formula still feels super light on skin—and it won't leave your face looking or feeling greasy.
Photo: Courtesy of Shen Beauty10/17<a href="http://www.shen-beauty.com" target="_blank">Shen Beauty</a>
If you're ever in Brooklyn, head straight to Shen Beauty. It's a beauty mecca of curated products from around the world. Owners Jessica Richards and Julie Stringer search high and low for the best natural products out there. From luxurious oils, to glistening luminizer, to chemical-free, amazing-smelling bug spray, it's impossible to walk away empty-handed.
Photo: Courtesy of Bite Beauty11/17<a href="http://rstyle.me/~2CCP2" target="_blank">Bite Beauty Matte Crème Lip Crayon</a>
These pigment-packed matte pencils are a lipstick lover's dream. They're made from resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant, so the more you use them, the better your lips will look. The best part? They're formulated with food-grade ingredients, so there's no worrying about ingesting toxic chemicals.
Photo: Courtesy of Kjaer Weis12/17<a href="http://rstyle.me/~2CCQc" target="_blank">Kjaer Weis Eye Shadow</a>
This seriously gorgeous, deeply pigmented shadow in Green Depth is dotted with flecks of gold, making it the perfect smoky statement eye must-have.
Photo: Courtesy of Estelle & Thild13/17<a href="http://rstyle.me/~2CCQs" target="_blank">Estelle & Thild BioDefense Multi-Nutrient Youth Oil</a>
For instantly glowy skin, apply a few drops of this apricot, wild rose and jojoba blend onto your face after cleansing. You'll look (and feel!) hydrated and luminous in no time.
Photo: Courtesy of Earth Tu14/17<a href="http://www.earthtuface.com/products/toning-mist" target="_blank">Earth Tu Face Toning Mist</a>
The balancing concoction of rose and aloe increases collagen production, soothes irritation, and hydrates thirsty skin. Plus, one or two spritzes are the perfect midday pick-me-up. No latte needed.
Photo: Courtesy of Kora15/17<a href=" http://rstyle.me/~2Ci20" target="_blank">Kora Organics Daily Hand Cream</a>
Keep your cuticles extra soft with this all-natural replenishing potion, handpicked by green queen Miranda Kerr herself.
Photo: Courtesy of Juice Beauty16/17<a href="http://rstyle.me/~2Ci3K" target="_blank">Juice Beauty Blemish Clearing Serum </a>
No need to worry about what kind of skin you have with this complexion-clearing serum—it's suited for all skin types! Packed with vitamins C and E, this formula stamps out blemishes without leaving your skin parched like most acne products do.
Photo: Courtesy of Weleda17/17<a href="http://rstyle.me/~2ChNS" target="_blank">Weleda Wild Rose Pampering Body Lotion</a>
Awaken your senses with this delicate, floral-scented body lotion. Infused with organic jojoba oil, it won't evaporate like most water-based moisturizers, so you'll feel silky smooth all day long.
