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melissa ambrosini, beauty, health

Toxic Free Beauty Products To Get You Glowing

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Let me ask you this: Would you drink your perfume? Or swallow your sunscreen? Or smear your mascara on your gluten-free toast? Heck no! So why do you put these toxic chemicals on your skin?

Our skin is our largest organ. In many ways, it’s incredibly strong and resilient. But what most people don’t realize is this: whatever you put on your skin gets absorbed straight into your bloodstream. Yep, your skin is literally ‘eating’ all those lotions and potions you’re lathering on.

Working in TV and as a dancer, I would get bags of toxic crap given to me, which I used for many years. I had creams, oils, and potions for just about everything — my beauty cupboard looked like a pharmacy! I fully believed that by loading my skin up with as many fancy products as I could, I was doing the best thing to keep it clear and healthy. (Ha!)

When I began to fuel my body with the most natural, high-quality food I could find — and saw the massive difference that made to my health — it dawned on me that maybe I should try a similar approach with my skin: if processed crap was no good for my insides, maybe it was no good for my outsides either.

You see, when you use toxic products, not only are they bad for you but your body has to work extra hard to try and get rid of all those chemicals. It puts loads of unnecessary stress on your system and means you’re wasting your precious resources on detoxification rather than other more important things. In fact, if your body wasn’t being overwhelmed by all those chemical nasties, that energy could be put to better use: making your hair, skin and nails beautiful and strong from the inside out.

Once I made the shift towards natural, toxin-free beauty products, I never looked back. My skin has never been better, and my hair and nails are stronger and shinier than they’ve ever been. And now that I am aware of this issue, I know I have a choice — I can choose to waste my money on toxic products that do nothing but over-promise and pollute my body and the environment, or I can vote with my dollar and use products that are going to nourish and support my body. I know what I choose. And you have the power to choose too.

So if most of the stuff on the shelves is total crapola, then what products could you be using? I get asked all the time what makeup and beauty products I use, so today I’m going to be sharing all my go-to faves. I’ve also lined up some of my expert friends — industry leaders who really understand what works and what doesn’t — to share their favourite toxic-free beauty products.

Before we dive in check out this podcast on How To Live A Low Tox Life or this one Going Toxic Free.

And check out the app Think Dirty to find out just how toxic your products truly are.

Now let’s dive in…

My Top Holistic Beauty Tips

Makeup

I have a less is more approach when it comes to beauty and beauty products. I like to keep things really simple. So here are a few of my current faves.

Foundation: La Mav Anti-Ageing Mineral Foundation SPF15

Blush: Eye Of Horus

Eyebrows: Eye Of Horus

Mascara: Eye Of Horus

Lip Liner: Ere Perez

Lips colour and gloss: HAN

Hair Care

You can read all about my Toxic Free Healthy Hair Tips here.

I don’t colour my hair and wash it once a week. I let my hair dry naturally and try not to blow dry or use any heating tools on my hair unless I really need to for a photoshoot or event.

I am currently using Everescents shampoo and conditioner. I have used this for years now and love it.

Body

Dry body brush

Abhyanga: Vital Veda

Moisturiser: Organic sesame oil

Body wash: Dr Bronners

Deodorant: No Pong

Face

I’m currently using and loving Josh Rosebrook cleanser, exfoliator, and cream, and I love adding a drop of Frankincense essential oil.

I use organic coconut oil and a cloth to take off my mascara.

I use Tea Tree essential oil on spots and the next day they are gone. 

I love this Primal Life Organics Exfoliator.

Teeth

Weleda toothpaste.

Bamboo Charcoal Dental Floss.

Waterpik.

 


Amber Vizzaccaro: Alternative Medicine Practitioner

Makeup

EVXO Organic Mineral Foundation – This foundation is the best combination of natural/clean ingredients and effectiveness that I’ve ever seen. It provides great coverage, feels lightweight, and smells like vanilla! EVXO is also a vegan cosmetics company, which I love.

100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Lengthening Mascara – I adore this mascara because it is one of the few that are truly non-toxic, and it works!

Cocokind Macabeet Tinted Moisture Stick – This is great to use as a chapstick that will give you a bit of subtle and natural-looking color pop. You can also use it as a cheek tint.

Hair Care

I don’t use any products for my hair other than shampoo and conditioner. Hair health is a reflection of the state of the liver and the adrenals, so caring for these organs is number one. The best supplement for hair health is living silica.

100% PURE Honey & Coconut Shampoo and Conditioner – You can actually pronounce and recognize every single ingredient in these products. They are TRULY clean, which is so hard to find, even in the world of natural beauty!

Body

Dr. Bronner Soap – These are the best all-natural body soaps, hands down!

Periobrite Toothpaste – This toothpaste is a game-changer. It’s fluoride-free, tastes great, and is highly effective.

Dry Brush – My forever favourite tool for body exfoliation, promoting lymphatic circulation, and enhancing detoxification.

Cliganic Organic Jojoba Body Oil – I’ve found jojoba to be the best-feeling oil on my skin. It’s deeply hydrating but lightweight enough to not leave any oily residue. I especially love applying some all over, letting it absorb into my skin for a few monies, and then hopping in the shower – the water rinses off any excess oil, and then you leave the shower with perfectly hydrated, non-oily skin.

Face

Sovereign Silver Gel – Antibacterial and therefore helps prevent breakouts. I use this like a serum on clean skin before applying anything else.

Annmarie Skin Care Aloe-Herb Facial Cleanser – I’ve been using this cleanser for years, and I’m still just as much in love with it. All Annmarie products feel like you’re putting nature directly on your face.

Josh Rosenbrook Hydrating Accelerator – This is a pure herbal tonic for your face – so refreshing to spritz on!

Pure Pomegranate Seed Oil – I use this as a make up remover and moisturizer, and it is heavenly. The oil’s texture is thicker than jojoba and provides a deeper level of hydration, healing, and protection for the face – which is under a lot more stress than other areas of the skin.

The shells/skins of fruits like bananas, papayas, and mangoes – these are the BEST masks you could ever use on your face for a vitamin, mineral, enzyme, and nutrient infusion.

Our skin absorbs everything we put on it and the average woman wears 515 chemicals a day.

 


Jenna Zoe: Human Design Expert

Makeup

I don’t really wear much makeup every day. I curl my eyelashes, and for a more made-up look I’ll use Ilia’s colour sticks on my lips and cheeks. I like ‘Cheek to Cheek’ for a subtle red that looks like you’re either blushing or just done a workout, and ‘At Last’ for a soft pink.

Lawless is an AMAZING brand that does the best eye palettes which I love, lip glosses, lipsticks, the whole gamut. I love what they’re about.

Hair Care

I love Acure’s clean hair products so much because they actually work and they smell great! They have a divine Argan Oil and Pumpkin seed shampoo and conditioner that I use most often, but they have different kinds for different hair types and all are divine. The scent is so important to me because it really sets a mood.

Also, I colour my hair and their shampoo doesn’t wash the colour out or make it too brassy.

Body

Coconut Oil doesn’t really moisturise my skin enough, so I need something a little thicker. I love Simply Divine Botanicals Body Butters – they have them in all kinds of scents like Lemongrass, Lavender, Nectarine, etc – each made of avocado butter, shea butter, and a blend of different layered scents. They are divine! My favourite is the How Now Brown Cacao and the lavender.

Face

I’m super simple when it comes to my face. I had chronic acne in my teens and twenties and a nutritionist explained to me that everything we put on our skin has to be processed by our liver, which if you have acne, your liver is already overburdened with toxins so you want to make its job easy!

I wash my face with a damp facecloth morning and night and then follow it with an oil. Right now I’m using the Leahlani Siren Serum, but I also sometimes use Olive Oil, Pomegranate Oil, or Argan Oil. I rotate depending on my mood or if I pick something up that has lovely essential oils in it.

 


Tamara Dickson: The Little Switch

Makeup

The clean beauty scene has exploded with so many wonderful choices and it’s hard to narrow down all my favourites.

RMS does clean beauty so well. Their entire range is used and loved by many a green makeup artist and low toxic living beings. The range is non-nano, soy-free and outstanding for performance.

Prisma Palette are non-creasing, highly pigmented eye shadows that are non-GMO, talc-free, bismuth oxychloride free, silicone-free, dye-free, paraben and fragrance-free.

For a lasting and volume-enhancing mascara, Sappho provides luscious lashes without the usual mica, talc, silicones, DEA, TEA and are low mineral making this an excellent choice for the delicate eye area. It also removes with water and does not smudge.

Hair Care

Tabitha James Kraan hair oil is a great multi-use product for dry and damaged hair. It gives hair a super shine, increases manageability when heat styling and is a great treatment.

Body

When I feel like being lazy and want to combine a delicious smelling bath and body oil I always reach for Solitude bath cookies. The surrender blend is full of skin-loving moisture and smells so great I don’t need to apply any fragrance afterwards.

Search for products free from phthalates and silicones.

For a clean, all nasties free body wash I love Two Winged Fruit. This liquid is made using traditional soap making methods and gives a beautiful soft, yet bubbly wash. It’s also non-drying and doubles as hand wash so great value.

For those special occasions /date nights, I love Nancy Evans Body oil – put simply it’s sex in a bottle! The number of comments I receive from men and women when I wear this blows my mind. Make sure you look for products without mineral oil, PEGs and fragrance to help limit your toxic load.

Face

For a great clean range you can’t go past KORA Organics for clean and effective skincare.

As a treat for your problem areas, I love Osea Hylauronic Sea serum which literally changes your skin!

I also love Reset Beauty Barrier Balm for any super dry or irritated areas.

Choose products that are vegan or cruelty-free, contain no SLS, SLES or triclosan to help with any irritated skin conditions.

 


Sabrina Jacquier-Parr: Flora Organica

Makeup

La Mav Organic BB Cream.This wonder cream is the essential makeup all-rounder. It’s a primer, tinted moisturiser, concealer and SPF that will nourish and protect  your skin from premature ageing. It’s also the first organic BB cream in Australia certified by the Australian Government!

100% Pure Lip and Cheek Stain. Coloured from rich red cherry pigments, this is a 2-in-1 lip and cheek tint that gives the most gorgeous natural colour and is even sweat resistant, so will survive a gym session or really long days at the office.

Hair care

Acure Organics Moroccan Argan + Argan Stem Cell Shampoo & Conditioner.This is daily hair repair on another level! Organic Argan and Sea Buckthorn oil deliver a triple moisture system. I love that the shampoo also gets a good foam going as it makes my hair feel clean (but without the chemicals!)

Rahua Omega 9 Hair Mask. My hair SOS go-to product! A good hair treatment actually repairs your hair, rather than pretending to and coating it with silicon! This mask has Ungurahua Oil, which is rich in omega-9 and is made up of tiny molecules that penetrate into the core of each strand to heal and fortify the hair.

Body

100% Pure Vanilla Bean Shower Gel. This smells so good I almost want to eat it. It has Tahitian vanilla, skin hydrating honey and organic, antioxidant-rich Green Coffee that helps increase circulation, which is especially good in winter!

Lavanila The Healthy Deodorant.I have tried just about every natural deodorant under the sun and this one I am absolutely obsessed with (sounds weird, I know, but it’s true!). It comes in a solid stick formula that feels so silky to use and keeps me not only smelling good, but dry as well.

Face

100% Pure Brightening Scrub + Mask. Winter is the time to nourish and repair your skin, so using a great exfoliator and mask is a must, and I love that this does both. It has vitamin C, lemon juice and strawberries to brighten your skin, which will help treat any sun spots or pigmentation you may have developed over summer and give your skin a lovely glow.

Dr Alkaitis Organic Day Cream. This is such a unique product as it uses a blend of organically grown cold-pressed shea butter, St Johns Wort, pure vitamin E, Echinacea, horsetail and marigold blossoms that all work together to make this an incredibly effective moisturiser.

 


Irene Falcone: Nourished life

Makeup

I actually don’t wear much makeup at all, just BB cream, mascara and a lip balm!

100% Pure black tea mascara – This is one of my best selling products and a personal favourite! It’s 100% natural (not very many mascaras can claim this), with pigment from black tea leaves and blueberries. It’s super lengthening plus because it’s all-natural, it nourishes your eyelashes instead of drying them out!

Also from 100% Pure, they have an amazing BB Cream which provides great coverage and a really natural, dewy finish that is perfect for everyday wear — and it’s packed with vitamins and antioxidants.

I do love a little pop of colour on my lips, my everyday lip balm is the Hurraw! Cherry tinted lip balm (this is the first organic product I found, the first one I ever stocked and 9 years later it is still what I wear every day!)

Haircare

I am obsessed with the brand Ethique, they are 100% zero waste and one small bar of shampoo replaces a whole 1-litre plastic bottle and they work just as well as any salon brand shampoo & condition! I live near the beach and my hair easily goes brassy so I use “Tone It Down” natural purple Shampoo bar and matching conditioner.

They even have these plastic-free bar holders so they don’t go mushy how cute is this Aqua one.

Body

For the body I use the Kora Organics Body Wash and matching lotion.

I have recently discovered this new certified organic fake tan and it is unreal, the best colour I have ever found (and I’ve tried them all).

Face

I keep skincare really basic, I use this Madara Organic Milk Cleanser. It is so good, so many milk or cream cleansers make my skin feel congested, and I cant use foam because my skin is super dry so this is perfect as it really cleans without stripping my skin. And it smells of mild jasmine (my fav scent).

I then just use the Biologi Hydration Face & Body Serum as a toner, serum, night cream and day cream! And then at night after this dries I put the Kora Noni Oil on top and I think I look better now at 44 than I did at 34!

I also take the WelleCo The Super Elixir Alkalising Greens every single day which gives me a wonderful burst of energy.

 


Emmily Banks: Organic Makeup Artist

Makeup

Inika Foundation is the best I have tried by far! The formula is beautiful and lightweight but can also be built to provide good coverage if needed. It smells divine, lets your skin breathe and is certified organic — so no nasties! A flawless, glowing complexion is number one in my books!

Ere Perez natural Bronzer “blush” made with rice powder is another favourite. It comes with two shades in one compact, has great pigment and keeps your skin looking naturally sun-kissed! Ere Perez also has an amazing natural mascara made with almond oil, it has great staying power and doesn’t irritate the eyes like most mainstream toxic mascara ingredients do.

Hair Care

Mukti Shampoo & Conditioner are my current favourites for hair care — all Natural, organic and herbal-infused. Mukti has helped to keep my hair naturally clean, strong and smelling delicious!

Acure Argan Oil, certified organic Moroccan oil is an amazing leave in conditioning treatment. It helps to protect hair and leave it looking and feeling shiny and healthy.

Body

Coconut oil is an absolute must for so many reasons! Not only can it be ingested for health, but also used as an all-over body moisturiser, hair treatment, makeup remover and more! Focusing on skin nourishment, it has amazing deep moisturising properties due to the similarity of molecular structure to the skin’s own bio-support network. It rapidly hydrates, conditions and shields your skin to prevent moisture loss and even protects against UV rays! Plus it smells sooooo goooood!

Perfect Potions natural Perfumes, body sprays and oils are a must in my day-to-day beauty regime. Chakra Balancing mist is my all time favourite scent, infused with lavender, geranium, rose, lime, patchouli and more, it’s a winning combination and also very calming and balancing for your chakras.

Face

Organic Rosehip Oil — I use this daily as a face moisturiser, highlighter or mixed in with foundation for a radiant dewy glow. Rich in fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants, it’s like a multivitamin for your skin. It helps combat wrinkles, scars and fine lines and helps to heal skin conditions. Plus, it’s usually only $20 per bottle and lasts for several months! THE BEST.

Hurraw Lip Balms & Tints— I lather these balms on my lips several times per day. They contain premium organic, raw and vegan ingredients including jojoba, coconut oil, cocoa butter, almond oil and more. So creamy, smooth and nourishing for dry lips. The ‘cherry’ flavor also has a great tint to keep lips looking rosy!

There you have it, beautiful. It’s super easy to find amazing products that are good for you, and Mother Earth and that do the job. And remember to always read the ingredients list on everything you pick up. Make sure you know what you are putting on your body.

Do you have any products you’d love to add to the list? Share them with the tribe in the comments below.

Thank you, as always, for giving so much love in the comments. You guys really make my heart sing.

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  1. Amy says:

    Thank you Mel! I have recently and slowly trying to change my skin routine and find coconut oil works so well on my face! My face seems to be less oily and I don’t break out as bad! Absolutely love it! However, if you don’t mind, could you please tell me your opinion on Nude by Nature? I only use their powder foundation and love it. However I have heard some reports that it isn’t good for your skin. Can you please shed some light on this please? X

    • Melissa Ambrosini says:

      Hi Amy,

      To be honest I have never tried it so I don’t know. However, with everything I would check the ingredients list and even email the company and ask them any questions that you might have.

      I hope this email honey.

      xx

      • Sarana says:

        I was wondering about Nude by nature also as i use their BB cream, mineral powdered fuondation and bronzer. I’m sure there are better options out there but i quite like it. The mineral liquid foundation however i tried once and my skin went red immediately which has never happened even with cheaper foundations. Hence to say i stear clear of the liquid foundation. Thanks for your post Melissa. Ps. my all time fav beauty product is coconut oil without a doubt :-).

      • Hi ladies – I am also interested in this as I too use this product. So far – it hasn’t made my skin breakout – which is such a relief, in comparison to the other products I have used in the past.

        I had a look at their ingredients list, and compared it with the 17 chemicals to avoid in cosmetics ( http://www.collective-evolution.com/2012/04/10/you-have-the-right-to-know-17-chemicals-to-avoid-in-cosmetic-and-personal-care-products/). The only thing that worried me a little was that they say it may contain: +/- [C.I. 77491, C.I. 77492, C.I. 77499 (Iron Oxide), C.I. 77007 (Ultramarine Blue)].

        The C.I is a colour derived from coal tar / petroleum. This is a known carcinogen and colour itself, may also be laced with heavy metals which is not something we want to have going into our pores.

        I think this has really opened my eyes about what I am actually putting on my skin – and that a lot of research is required to get to the bottom of the dirty cosmetic pile!

        Hope this helped!!

        X

        Jo

  2. Rachel says:

    Thank you so much, this is exactly what I needed! You are my biggest inspiration Melissa, thank you for existing and being the lovely person that you are.

    • Melissa Ambrosini says:

      Thank you so much for your beautiful words honey and thank you for being part of the epic MA tribe. I love having you here.

      xx

  3. Erin says:

    Yahoooooooo….. Finally a comprehensive list of beauty essentials. Thank you Mel for sharing this love list of beauty essentials 🙂
    It’s scary how we bury our skin in chemical gunk daily without a second thought, this list is a great reminder to make the switch without compromising on quality.

  4. Hi Mel – I love this beautiful post that you have put together! I also love the konjac sponge – it’s amazing and super soft, like cleaning with jelly! I wash with Dr Bronner’s soap (and use that for my laundry and cleaning the house too!) and moisturise with coconut oil and use Nude cosmetics powder foundation on days when I need a little cover. Most days – I don’t use make up at all, just moisturiser and a fresh face – I found that this has really helped clear my skin from acne.

    Much love + Namaste!

    Jo

    • Melissa Ambrosini says:

      Hi Jo,

      I agree just having a clean face is best and really helps with skin issues. I don’t wear a lot of make up also, maybe once a week if that. I remember when I had acne I was so embarrassed about my skin so I put make up on it which made it worse. Then I told my Mean Girl to shh and decided to embraced my skin and guess what … it started to clear up. Along with the help of meditation, changing my diet, clean water, loads of sleep etc. Good skin started from within.

      xx

  5. Emma says:

    Hi Melissa [& friends],
    thank you for all these great products, I have been awaiting a post like this!! Do you have any recommendations on an organic toothpaste? And what nasties should we look out for when looking for a toothpaste?

    Many thanks & lots of love
    xo

  6. Marie Virginie says:

    For deodorant, I make my own, with coconut oil and cornstarch (you can also add baking soda my it is sometimes a little harsh on your skin). I also mix in vanilla and jasmine essential oils for scent. It is so much better than the store bought kind, and cheaper! Plus you know exactly what’s going into it, so I know 100% that my deo is vegan and cruelty free.

    • Melissa Ambrosini says:

      Oh how yummy. I am going to try this one. I don’t often wear it but it’s good to know when you do that it’s clean.

      Thanks for the tip Marie.

    • Erika says:

      Hi Marie Virginie!

      We are loving your tip so much we would love to send you an amazing ‘eco sponge’ 🙂 Please email hello@melissaambrosini.bitnamiapp.com with your best delivery address.

      Lots of Love,

      The MA Team xx

      p.s can’t wait to make your deodorant!!

  7. Erin says:

    Thanks for this great information Melissa. I don’t often wear makeup as my skin becomes very itchy. Im sure it is all the horrible things in it! Now I have some great ideas as a starting point to changing what I do use!

  8. Yvette says:

    Hi Melissa

    I always love reading your blogs and this one is so insightful.

    Especially when people embark a more holistic life, they have the food ,and chemical-free cleaning products down pat, but not the beauty side.

    Took me a while to get my hair, make up and beauty regime toxic free and now my skin is just glowing.

    Thank you for sharing more products I love dabbling into other ranges, especially Australia Made

    xxxx

  9. Anna says:

    Thanks Melissa for such a detailed list of healthy, natural & organic products.
    I’m now in my late 30’s and for the first time in my life I am having to consider dying my hair.
    I have always loved my natural colour & have never had a desire to change it, but unfortunately the greys are becoming obvious.
    I not comfortable letting it just to grey!
    So could you recommend some healthier options of dying (if there are any?

    • Isabelle says:

      If you’re not a blonde, you could try using henna – it’s a totally natural hair dye made from natural pigments and you can buy it in Indian speciality supermarkets or from some health food stores, or if you don’t want to do it yourself, I’d really recommend you spend some money and go to an Aveda salon, all their dyes are natural and organic and create beautiful, natural looking colour.
      Hope this helps!
      Isabelle

      • Anna says:

        Thank you Isabelle!
        I’m a brunette, so both options sound great 🙂
        It’s good to know there are healthier, more natural options out there.
        Cheers
        Anna

  10. Caz says:

    Hi Mel

    Love this share thank you 🙂 I have been swapping over my skin and beauty routines for a while now and mainly use rosehip oil as my face moisturiser and coconut oil as cleanser and body moisturiser (although this is a little tougher in winter). I’m on about trial #9 for deodorant and not sure I’m there yet! Going to give the bamboo shampoo you use a go. What do you use as a fragrance swap? You are such an inspiration thank you 🙂

    • Melissa Ambrosini says:

      Thank you so much darling.

      Let me know what you think of Bamboo and try the olive oil and sesame oil for winter instead of the coconut oil.

      I don’t use any fragrance but you could try essential oils?

      xx

  11. Jemma says:

    Thanks so much Melissa, great article 🙂 I really love moo goo products as they are chemical free and Australian owned and made, so reasonable on price to. They have also just released a makeup like called dusty girls, it’s a beautiful range and also chemical free, love love love it!

    • Melissa Ambrosini says:

      Oh awesome Jemma. I will check it out. I know Moo Goo but had no idea they had a make up range. Thanks for letting us know.

      xx

  12. Janelle says:

    Hi Melissa, I love this article! I’m always look for tips on how to make my beauty routine simpler as I believe less is more. I just purchased the eco sponge and am just wondering whether you use this with a cleanser or on its own? I’m also interested to know why you recommend olive oil and sesame oil in winter instead of coconut oil? Thanks again! Janelle

    • Melissa Ambrosini says:

      Hi Janelle,

      I agree less is more.

      I use the eco sponge on its own and I use olive oil and sesame oil in winter as it’s more nourishing than coconut oil. When you start to use it you will feel the different. Because our skin is more dry in winter we need to give it more nourishment and olive oil and sesame oil do that.

      Does that make sense honey?

      • Janelle says:

        Yes it does! That explains why even though I use coconut oil at the moment my skin can still feel dry after a couple of hours. Thanks for getting back to me! Can’t wait to see you speak at Utopia Women’s Wellness! Janelle

      • Melissa Ambrosini says:

        Oh yay you’re coming to Utopia. Which city will you be at?

      • Janelle says:

        Melbourne! Really excited to hear from so many inspiring and empowering women!

      • Melissa Ambrosini says:

        It’s going to be a great event. I can’t wait to meet you honey.

        xx

  13. Hi Melissa, Thank you so so much for writing this post. I have been wanting to change my makeup / hair & body care products for a little while now and was feeling pretty overwhelmed on where I should start.

    I’m thinking your post will be a pretty good place 🙂

    Thanks again,
    Jessie

  14. This is an awesome post and so timely for me as I transition my makeup to natural & toxic free. Thanks so much for sharing Mel! 🙂
    I’m currently using organicspa skin care which is lovely. I sometimes get an itchy & flaky scalp and have been using rosemary, thyme & sage essential oils and an apple cider vinegar rinse which has been helping. Coconut oil is also great as a makeup remover 🙂

  15. Fran Maspero says:

    Hey, Mel. Thank you for this post – love peeking into people’s bathroom cabinets! You have mentioned using rose hip oil on your skin, as well as coconut oil which helped with your adult acne. I have oily skin with the odd breakout and find that coconut oil is too thick, would you recommend rose hip oil or do you only use coconut oil now?
    Thank you! xxx

    • Melissa Ambrosini says:

      Organic rose hip is also great my love. I used to use it all the time but now just use coconut oil. They are both great though.

      • Sabrina says:

        Hi Fran,

        If you have oily skin i would look at using something other than coconut oil for the face. I find it can be a bit heavy and clog the pores.

        I would recommend Acure Organic Argan Oil which is lightweight and absorbs into the skin really beautifully bit.ly/1lKQlWo or the Absolution Night and Day oil which is light enough to use night and day! bit.ly/1lKQf0W

        If you have any questions about any products please feel free to email me at sabrina@floraorganica.com.au

        Love& Light
        Sabrina
        floraorganica.com.au

  16. Rae says:

    What a great post!
    Do you have any suggestions for sunscreen?

  17. Charlotte says:

    Melissa?!?! Can I tell you something?!?! You definitly rock our world.

    This is exactly what I need it. Being in france, people does not really care about “natural” product so the brand also. I have been in Australia for a year and I learned so much about it.
    I personnaly found in love wi Kora Organics, by Miranda Kerr product.

    But came back to France was hard to find parfect product.
    With all information we have in magazine that lost me, I am really thankfull that you give us much perspective about product.

    i think i need a big shopping now^^

    Oh and of course a BIG thank you to all wonderful people who share their favorite product.

    Much Love

    Charlotte

  18. Hi Mel,

    Great post!

    This is one of my passions & I’m doing an online course learning to make “Natural Beauty Products”.

    The course I am doing is with the “School of Natural Skincare UK” & you learn to make a variety of organic products, lotion bars, foot butters, face creams, lip balm, face oils, body oils, lip gloss, body scrub, face masks!

    I think the “School of Natural Skincare” also tour round the world teaching Workshops & have been to Australia before.

    I’m really enjoying the journey & making gifts for my sister & friends to try.

    The products I make also cost a fraction of shop bought!

    I made my own sunscreen this year too & deodorant & tooth powder. I have got to say that I prefer my sunscreen hands down as I made it with love!

    Renee@hardlotion is also
    a fabulous resource. I have a collection of her E-Books including “A Buttered Life”.

    Love & Hugs,

    Nicky x

    • Melissa Ambrosini says:

      Hey Nicky,

      That course sounds AMAZING. What is the website?

      • Hi Mel,

        Sorry for the delay.

        It is AMAZING! & the people who run it are lovely too.

        If you Google:- www.
        schoolof
        natural
        skincare.com

        They have a site where they list workshops & online courses.

        I think they are on a World Tour at the moment but they are pretty good to respond.

        Lot’s of love, xxx

  19. shellina says:

    Thankyou so much melissa for this post I have been experimentjng and looking out for natural/organic skin care and makeup that actuallly works. Now I know where to look! Love coconut oil as moistuiriser and hair mask and making my own body scrubs with coffee, sea salt and jojoba oil

  20. Jodi says:

    Hi!
    Thanks for your help Melissa! I try to buy Australian products as much as I can – are the ones you mentioned Aussie?
    Much love, J xx

    • Sabrina says:

      Hi Jodie,

      Hi Jodi,

      We have some really nice Australian products on the website. Black Chicken Axilla deodorant paste is made in Bondi!

      La Mav makes some wonderful skincare products and is Australian also. You can see the country origin on each product page on my website 🙂

      If you have any questions about any products please feel free to email me on sabrina@floraorganica.com.au

      Love&Light
      Sabrina
      floraorganica.com.au

  21. Mel says:

    Hi Mel,

    Would you have any recommendations for a shampoo/conditioner for thin hair (but lots of it)? My hair always looks oily and feels so dry and I have to use so much dry shampoo to cover it. It’s so frustrating!

    Also, I’ve recently started using the face products from the jojoba company, they’re Australian made and I think they’re fantastic! The acne pack has helped tame my spots so quickly!

    Thanks so much Mel, you’re such an inspiring and beautiful person xx

    • Melissa Ambrosini says:

      Hi Mel,

      Thank you so much for your kind words.

      I am not sure about shampoo and conditioner for thin hair as I have very thick hair. It might be a case of trail and error you could email and ask Sabrina or Irene they would know much more then me.

      Hope this helps honey.

      xx

  22. Cayla says:

    Hey Mel,

    I sometimes get break outs and I was just wondering if coconut oil is okay to use of rosehip for combination skin? Also do you leave the tea tree on or wash it off, and do you use it daily? xx

    • Cayla says:

      or rosehip, sorry not of rosehip haha x

    • Melissa Ambrosini says:

      Hi Cayla,

      Everyone’s skin is so different so I would just try it out for you and see how you go.

      And regarding the tea tree oil I leave it on over night.

      Hope this helps honey.

      xx

    • Sabrina says:

      Hi Cayla,

      For combination skin i recommend using an oil that is lighter and absorbs more easily into the skin like Acure Organic Argan Oil. I find that coconut oil can be a bit heavy and clog the pores as a moisturser for the face (but it makes an excellent cleanser to take makeup off!)

      You can see the Acure Argan Oil here http://bit.ly/1lKQlWo

      If you have any questions about any of the products on my site or just general beauty questions please feel free to email me at sabrina@floraorganica.com.au

      Love&light
      Sabrina
      floraorganica.com.au

  23. Antonia says:

    Dear Melissa,
    I really enjoy your posts, you lighten up my day:)
    I was wondering if you could share how you started this website and your business.
    Thx,
    xx

    • Melissa Ambrosini says:

      Hey Antonia,

      Thank you so much for your kind words. Funny you ask as I am working on something that will share all the information with you.

      Stay tune 😉

    • Antonia says:

      Thx.
      Maybe that was a wink from the universe!?
      Everything happens for a reason doesn’t it?
      I’ve got another question for you: Will you release a paperback version of your book anytime soon?
      That would be absolutely amazing!!!!
      xx

      • Melissa Ambrosini says:

        I have just finished writing it honey so yes I will release a paperback soon.

        I can’t wait to share it with you. You’re gonna love it.

        xx

      • Antonia says:

        Thank you so much.
        It’s great that it’s a paperback this time and that there’s not only an e-book version of it. What about 12 steps to wellness? A paperback in sight?
        That would be truly incredible.
        And now I’ve got a personal question: I’m really ambitious and into school. And there’s a girl in my class who is very good in school as well and I get along with her pretty well as long as we aren’t talking about school. How can I let go of comparison? I know that there’s no need for it and that I should concentrate on myself but how?
        Sorry for bothering you with that but I thought maybe you’d know what to do and have some advice or strategy for me.
        Thank you so, so much for taking the time to read and respond to all these comments.
        Love and light
        xx

      • Melissa Ambrosini says:

        Hey Antonia,

        Regarding 12 Steps to Wellness I would love to make that a paperback. I am totally open to that idea happening.

        How you let go of comparison is by letting go of comparison. There is no other way then by choosing not to compare yourself. I would look at why you are comparing my love and go from there. Meditate on it and really look at why you aren’t feeling whole within yourself.

        I hope this helps.

        xx

  24. Amelia says:

    Hi Mel,

    I know theres no miracle solution but was just wondering whether you had any solutions to help fade stretch marks and acne scars?

    So glad I stumbled upon your website, I’ve come to realise how important nourishing our bodies really is, thankyou!

    Amelia xox

    • Melissa Ambrosini says:

      Hi Amelia,

      Thank you so much for stopping by 😉
      For me personally I found some sun on my face and coconut oil as my moisturisers helps fade acne scars. And for stretch marks I am not sure but have you tried body brushing and coconut oil on your marks?

  25. arushi says:

    Hi Mel – this post could not have come at a better time for me! Thank you so much for sharing. I am in the middle of making big changes to my hair and skin care regime. I was wondering if you straighten/ use heat on your hair? I am struggling to find a natural/organic heat protectant. I treat my hair regularly with essential oils – would you recommend a heat protectant or are oils enough? every single spray I have found has fragrances and other nasties. Thank you so much xxxx

    • Melissa Ambrosini says:

      Hey Arushi,

      I don’t own straightening irons and I try not to blow dry my hair at home but have been lately as it’s winter in Australia and I don’t like going to bed with wet hair. I usually try and let it dry naturally and don’t use a heat protector ekk but if you have any suggestions please let me know.

      xx

  26. Kate says:

    Hey Mel, I have been stalling in this department for a while now – not wanting to use chemicals but not knowing what else to use! I found that coconut oil works as a deodorant as it’s antibacterial and that’s what ends up smelling as we know. So easy to do whilst I’m already using it as a moisturizer. I’d love to know where you buy your organic essential oils? And thanks for the make up tips I don’t wear any right now as I didn’t have a clue what to look for xx

  27. Mel says:

    Thanks Melissa. Love reading your blogs and always intrigued by other peoples beauty regime.
    I use jojoba oil as a cleanser and the a little rosehip as moisturiser.
    Coconut oil is great for moisturising (and oil pulling every morning) and I use a scrub of olive oil and sugar/or salt on my body every few weeks.
    In the market for a face sponge so would love love love to win one. 😉
    Thanks, Mel x

  28. Shalee :) says:

    Thanks for the article Mel, it is so hard to find natural beauty products when you don’t know how to look. Thanks for the comp op. too! I picked up using tea tree oil on my acne (a tip from your blog about a year or so ago actually) and I haven’t looked back. I have very oily skin so I use tea tree almost every night to keep the bad boys away!

  29. Cat says:

    A great and simple facial scrub:

    A spoon of sugar, and honey, mashed papaya, or olive oil. Dampen skin, gently scrub with circular movements. Wash scrub off with water and pat dry with a clean towel.

    Adding lavender or rosemary oil or chopped fresh herbs will give a delicious scent to the mixture and sooth the skin 🙂

  30. Kate says:

    Hi Mel,

    I wanted to let you know I purchased the Alterna bamboo shampoo and conditioner-absolutely loving it. Thank you for the suggestions. I have ordered the Eco Bella Mascara too – looking forward to trying this. Thanks for sharing, really enjoyed this post.

    Kate

  31. Heidi says:

    Hi Mel, I love your website but don’t always get to check it regularly. So I stumbled across this article today and loved it!! I can’t wait to try the Eco Sponges you recommended. I am going to trial them for myself and my two teenage daughters and if we love them (which I’m sure we will) I’m thinking they’ll make lovely Christmas gifts.

    Thank you for bringing so much positivity to the lives of me and all your tribe!

    • Melissa Ambrosini says:

      Thank you so much for checking in when you can Heidi. I am sure you and your daughters will LOVE them. The best part is no harsh toxic chemicals are used on your face which I love.

      Enjoy my darling and let me know how you go.

      xx

  32. Dani says:

    Hi!
    Thank you sooooo much for this wonderful posting… being pregnant, I became really conscious of all the nasties I was exposing my body, including my skin, to. This has been a wealth of information for someone like me newly embarking on the way to a more natural and better way of living. Its a complex toxic world out there, so thanks for being a guiding light.
    Do you have any recommendations for organic/natural fake tan? My skin is sensitive to the sun and exposure is unfortunately damaging it as the years go by.
    Thanks again xxx

    • Melissa Ambrosini says:

      Hi Dani,

      So glad this was helpful. To be honest I haven’t tried any organic fake tans however I think Eco Tan is meant to be good. You could check them out. Let me know how they go my love?

  33. […] website. There’s so much in there! FYI, next on my reading list is this article on holistic health and beauty   – I’ve started slowly moving to organic skincare and makeup and any recommendations […]

  34. Kelly says:

    Hi lovely,
    Where do you get your fake tan done and do you know the name of the tan used?

  35. Kelly says:

    I was also wondering of a natural hair removal you best recommend?

  36. Melissa Ambrosini says:

    Hi Kim,

    I love these products

    Check them out and let me know what you think.

    xx

  37. Victoria says:

    From the moment I started my soapmaking journey (which incorporated all things skincare too), I learned so much about what goes into commercial soap and a lot of moiturisers (particularly the baby bath/body wash I’d been using on my babies!). A lot of the ingredients really didn’t need to be included at all. Like yourself, I too think it is very important to know what you are putting on your body, not just inside. I really enjoyed this post 🙂

  38. Agy says:

    Dear Melissa, I found your Website recently and i like it very much, as it is really an Inspiration.I am six months pregnant at the moment and after some issues in the past years, i find it really a great Inspiration to hear your meditations.
    Now my question as I live in Europe and I can only buy natural make up online.Which colour do you use in your Jane Iredale Makeup as I have a similar skintone as yours.And any suggestions for a moisturizer(coconut oil is not enough as it is really cold here).
    Thank you!!

    • Melissa says:

      Hey Agy,

      I used Latte from Jane Iredale which was a great colour for me. And in terms or moisturise get anything that is organic and has no other nasty chemicals in it. Check out Nourished Life and Depths of Beauty for more ideas 😉

      • Agy says:

        Thank you so much for answering,you are really an inspiring Person!!!Would you recommend the powder or the liquid foundation, or both of them(I like it natural and here in Germany ít´s cold so it should not be drying).
        I bought The glow kitchen,do you think that bone broth is also good during pregnancy to help my Skin as it is really dehydrated.I also started cleansing my face with coconut oil.Do you use a second cleanser to get rid of the oil and the Makeup?

      • Melissa says:

        Hey Agy,

        Thank you so much for your kind words. Please see my answers below…

        I personally like powder foundation on my skin.

        Yes, bone broth is amazing for you all the time not just during pregnancy and yes it will totally help with your skin.

        I use a face cloth and water to cleanse my face at the moment.

        I hope that helps honey. Keep me posted with how you go.

        xx

      • Agy says:

        Hallo beautiful Melissa, sorry for bothering you again. Made my first bone broth,and it was really good.Now my question:How many days can I store the broth in the fridge normally?
        And my second question: I cannot get the Jane Iredale make up in the Color i Need because it is out of stock on the german Website.Can you recommend another make up Label that you tried and found it good,because my Skin is not really glowing(I am not lucky to have this famous pregnancy glow and the weather here in Germany is really rainy at the moment so that I cannot really go outside for a walk and I also have an iron deficiency).

      • Melissa says:

        Hey Agy,

        Thanks for your questions…

        How many days can I store the broth in the fridge normally? If you make a big batch and won’t drink it in 5 days I would freeze half then pull it out when you need it.

        Can you recommend another makeup label? I like LaMav. Or you can check out my friend Emmily’s website where she reviews loads of products.

        Let me know how you go honey.

        xx

  39. Loli says:

    Hi Melissa! I´m loving your postcast so far!! You mentioned you sleep with an ice mask in one of your episodes. I was wondering what is that, I´ve never heard of it before and would love to know more!
    Thanks for all the work you are doing inspiring and transforming other women´s life 🙂

  40. Mahi says:

    Frankly speaking, I don’t do much on my skin and face. I opt to use only natural things. And using those natural products
    I’m satisfied with my skin.

  41. Hey firstly I am very impressed on your website heading ” Toxic Free Beauty Products “. Actually I am from India and here we find various non branded cosmetics products and they full of chemical even we use that product we get defiantly skin problem. There are many Ayurvedic skin care and makeup products but it is very costly, so many people use organic product for skin care for example turmeric, Aloevery etc ..

  42. Kailu says:

    Hi Meli,
    I hope you are doing great.

    Such awesome post I found for beauty tips

    I really like and enjoy your post. You make my day 🙂
    I am eagerly waiting for your next post.
    Thanks

  43. Grace says:

    Thank you so much for this amazing post!! This is such an awesome resource for toxin free options and I appreciate it so much!
    There is a great app called Think Dirty that is free and you can scan bar codes of beauty/personal care products or simply look them up in the app and it says if there are chemicals/toxins any nasties etc in them which I think is just so cool and helpful. I hope this might also be helpful to any of you beautiful souls!

  44. Mary says:

    thank you for your kind words.

  45. Katie Mant says:

    Love this article and thanks heaps for the recommendations on products. I too look at every possible way to remove toxins from my beauty routine and make my own body oils, face oils, hair treatments etc and wear as little makeup as possible. I have never felt better and my skin glows so much more now that I only use natural organic products. Will definitely be trying the suggested mascara and eye pencil. Much love xoxo

  46. headcase says:

    Great Information. I like your post.

  47. Guru says:

    I read your beauty tips and used them one by one. It works but products you mention in your post are not completely toxic free.

  48. Thanks for such a wonderful article. I love to use homemade masks and these all seem very easy to create with these handy ingredients. I have a need to try these face masks. Thanks and keep sharing.

  49. Michelle Drake says:

    Thank you for compiling your makeup and other woman’s beauty/health list.Its inspired me to go even further down this route.

  50. Marie says:

    Hello,
    What toxic-free sunscreen (especially for the face) would you recommend please?
    Thanks a million
    Marie xo

  51. Emma says:

    Do you use a fake tan at all or is that your natural beautiful skin colour sun kissed on the page where i access the zen zone?
    Thanks

  52. Emma says:

    I use Shea moisture coconut and hibiscus range in shampoo, Conditioner and hair smoothie . Great results . Also for sunscreen I use Wotnot . Natural Mascaras failed me as did natural deodorants. I am yet to find a good one for those . I love 100% pure lip balm tint . Sometimes add a bit of nude by nature bronzer .

  53. I’ve finally perfected my topical skincare routine so I’m accepting that my remaining breakouts are probably linked to my diet. Thank you for giving all the resources I need to get healthier and have better skin

  54. This is one my of all-time favourite blog posts! I keep coming back to it over & over again whenever I want to find clean, organic switches. Thank you SO much for sharing all these goodies. xx

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