Hello, My Beautiful Friends!

As you might have noticed, I quit the full-glam life a few years back. Why, you might ask? Probably not for the reason you think. I got a puppy and she loved to give me alllll the nose kisses. When I had makeup on, I’d stop her and say, “I don’t think that stuff is good for you.” Then it hit me—why was I wearing stuff on my face that I didn’t think was good for my dog to lick? It seemed like an inconsistency to me, so I cleaned out my makeup and gave away 98% of it. But, when I started doing a bunch of photo and video shoots a few months back, I realized that makeup indeed has its time and place. I didn’t need it to feel beautiful anymore because I feel absolutely beautiful without it (finally!), but I do like our professional photos better when my features are more defined. So, I had to start over and create a new collection of cleaner makeup that didn’t worry me when Portia managed to sneak in her nose licks.

After our photo and video shoots this weekend, I wanted to share with you the collection I’ve come up with that has worked well for me lately.

First, we have all of the products from Araza. It’s a natural beauty line based in Washington (super close to me!) that I’ve really enjoyed. I use the All-In-One Coconut Cream Foundation (in color 260), the Coconut Corrective Cream Concealer (in light, medium, and peach), the Araza Fruit + Citrus Infused Eye Color (mainly chocolate, sundance, and mirage), the Mango Cream Color Pot (in jam), and the Rejuvenating Coconut Lip Color (in merlot). I don’t wear any of it daily, but the products have been great every time I’ve used them.

I’ve also been using a Pressed Mineral Powder from Honeybee Gardens (in supernatural), the Natural Cream Bronzer from Saie (in light bronze), the Beam Highlighter from Fat and the Moon, and the BoomBrow Lightweight Shaping Mousse (in medium brown), and the BoomBright Mascara (in black) from Boom! By Cindy Joseph. Sometimes we use a random other product here or there, but these have been my staples for the last five months, including for Readers Take Denver. I still haven’t replaced my Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner, but I’m going to try the ProTip Clean Liquid Liner from Honeybee Gardens next. I’m also on the hunt for a clean primer and a setting spray. I know there are many, many definitions of “clean beauty” these days, and I’ve learned that if I want to be a purist about all of it, not wearing makeup is the way to go. But sometimes, I like to wear makeup, and I think that’s 100% cool too. If you have any product recommendations you’d love to share, feel free to either respond to this email or post about it in a discussion group in Rebels + Runaways. I’d love to learn about your faves!

I hope you’re all having a beautiful week! Sending you all the good vibes and blessings!

Love,