The Good Stuff: Nina Sits Down with the Owner of Type A Deodorant

Type A Deodorant review

As you all know by now, I am always trying to make safer choices for myself and my family whenever possible. But let’s be honest, these switches have to be easy and they have to work.

In my quest to find a safer, healthier deodorant, I have tried several different ones. This is tricky because I work out every single day, which means the deodorant I use has to stand up to my workouts. While I have had moderate success with some of these safer brands, I have not been 100% satisfied. And as we wait for Beautycounter to launch a safe deodorant (we hope soon), I have finally found a new option that I love, and it’s working great for me! Plus, it does NOT stain my clothes.

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Ready for a Clean Swap

switching to safer products

Are you ready to make a clean swap?

My initial thought was to update the Healthy Switches blog I wrote a year ago, but because I have learned a lot in the past year—and have started using some other clean, safe products in our house—I decided to write a whole new post about what I’ve learned. This is a journey, and I am constantly discovering as I go!

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Tricks for a Sun-Kissed Summer Glow

sunkissed glow products beautycounter

It seems we have fast tracked into summer with sunny and hot days already here.

Since I am a skin cancer gal, I am NOT able to lay out in the sun or get any color from the sun. Basically the sun hates me. But the problem is I love having color and getting a “tan” or a summer glow. The good news is I can get that whole look from some of my go-to’s from Beautycounter. Here is my triple threat for a faux glow: Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer, Glow Shimmer Oil and Color Contour Matte Bronzer.

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Simple, Healthy Switches in the New Year: Here is My List

healthy switches

Are you looking to make some healthier decisions in the new year?  Simple, healthy switches are important, and if you haven’t started yet, now is the perfect time! The new year gives all of us a chance to start fresh and new. And if I can do this, so can you!

Progress not perfection is my mantra. Making small changes in your house can make a big difference when it comes to how many toxic chemicals are coming into your home.

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What You Didn’t Know About Beets

beets benefits

Have you been hearing all the latest buzz about beets? Those small, red, earthy and sweet vegetables seem to be everywhere. And it’s no surprise so many use it to make beet juice or beet salad (or even lip balm!), given its many benefits—from boosting the immune system with vitamin C and minerals, to supplying the body with fiber, manganese and B vitamin folate, which helps reduce the risk of birth defects. And that’s not all, beets have amazing antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, detoxification and energy-boosting benefits as well!

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Making Healthy Changes: Toss the Non-Stick Pots and Pans at Home

dangers of teflon

Since we recently moved to a new house, I thought it would be a good time for us to re-think what cookware we are using in our kitchen.  I am trying to be more aware of what toxic chemicals are being used in my household.  You’re probably thinking what’s not to love about non-stick cookware? It’s easy to clean and cook on, plus it seems that it doesn’t darken or blacken as fast as other cookware does. But did you know that when pots and pans made with Teflon are heated above 350 ºC (662 ºF), the primary chemical in Teflon, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), “begins to degrade, releasing fine particles and a variety of gaseous compounds that can cause damage to the lungs when inhaled“?

According to recent studies, these toxins are accumulating in human blood dangerously fast, and the problem is that they are leading to chronic disease over time.

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For the Men In Our Lives: Charcoal Cleansing Bar and Cream Exfoliator

men's face cleansers

Ladies, we love our skin, and we take care of it as much as we can, but we’re not the only ones who want our face to feel silky when we touch it. Our men want it too! Try it, ask them if you haven’t already.

Many men tend to use men’s face cleansers to wash off the day’s grime. If they’re using a wash such as Dove Men +Care, Nivea for Men Moisturising Face Wash, or Neutrogena Invigorating Face Wash then they’re exposing themselves to toxins as well. Those cleansers, as many other popular commercial cleansers, are full of parabens, artificial fragrances, sulfates, allergens and more (just read the labels).

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Use This, Not That: Shampoo

Do you know what’s in your shampoo?

Most shampoos you find on the store shelves contain potentially harmful chemicals like surfactants that can cause skin irritations and allergies. They can also be contaminated with 1,4 dioxane, which is a known carcinogen. But it doesn’t stop there. Back in 2014, the Center for Environmental Health conducted a study and found 98 shampoos and soaps that were made with a carcinogen called cocamide diethanolamine (cocamide DEA), which was banned in California. Although manufacturers faced a huge lawsuit, only a handful have made changes to remove it from their products.

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PiperWai: a Safe and Effective Deodorant for Every Woman

piperwai natural deodorant

I love finding beauty products that are safe and effective! One of my favorites is the PiperWai Natural Deodorant. Two rockstar women invented this natural deodorant, killed it on the hit TV show Shark Tank, and the rest is history.

While I wait for Beautycounter to release a deodorant (a girl can dream, right?), I had to search for something safe and healthy that stood up to my fitness routines. Since I’m a fitness junkie, I sweat A LOT all the time! After a 50 minute spin class, PiperWai was the only deodorant that didn’t make me stink. I am hooked! Plus, it smells great, a hint of mint and citrus gives it a very spa-fresh scent. Best I’ve ever had, and I have tried many other brands.

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Your Luscious Lips Deserve the Best Lip Gloss (S.W.A.K.!)

best lip gloss beautycounter

I have been addicted to lip products ever since high school. To this day I love lip gloss and the way it makes my lips shine, plus it gives me just the right amount of moisture my lips need. The Lip Gloss from Beautycounter is my ultimate favorite—it’s not sticky or goopy and the peony pink is the perfect color for summer.  It’s my must have!

This lip gloss goes on smoothly, and has a unique teardrop applicator that gives you just the perfect amount of sheer. The gloss comes in five different shades to choose from: peony, buff, sienna, opal and ruby.

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