Our favorite health and wellness product junkie is back with another epic list of clean products you are going to make you swoon! Erika Nolan, of Nomad Chicago, knows her way around the clean beauty counter and has tried and approved every single product on this list. Whether you swallow it or put it on your skin, she swears by the results. Have fun with this one; she is sharing all of her secrets!
Hello again, TSP loyal followers! It’s Erika, from Urbanchiqueness. During my last appearance on TSP’s Instagram Live Show, “Live @ 5”, I promised to follow up here, as a guest contributor, to share some of my favorite rituals for the dreaded afternoon slump as well as discuss my evening regime.
I really believe that now, more than ever, self-care is so important as we navigate these unprecedented times.
A routine provides comfort and, right now, so many moments in our day are uncomfortable, so we need to find peace in the little things. As I sit here writing this, I am sipping on one of my favorite midday pick me ups: sparkling water, Chlorophyll drops, and fresh mint leaves; so good for you and so refreshing!
Things You Swallow
I discovered the benefits of chlorophyll drops years ago and have been using them ever since. Anything that comes from the earth is always worth a try when experimenting with wellness tips. I recommend getting chlorophyll that is mint-flavored, otherwise it tastes a little “swampy”. Add a little to whatever you are drinking to help oxygenate your blood and boost your energy levels. It also acts as a natural deodorizer and even helps with altitude sickness. I bought some for my wonderful, but skeptical, 82-year-old dad on a trip to Colorado and it worked!
Chlorella & Blue Spirulina are in the same family as chlorophyll. I use the powder form to add to my smoothies and the tablet form as a supplement, especially if my leafy green intake has been low. Spirulina is an excellent source of vegan protein.
Things For Your Face & Body
My #1 Beauty Tip: No matter how tired you are, wash your face before bed; the benefits are everlasting.
When you sleep, your skin goes into recovery mode–a time of intense repair and regeneration. It will absorb all the clean products and you will wake up feeling fresh-faced. It doesn’t have to be a long meditative process like my routine, but try to, at the least, cleanse, tone, and moisturize before your head hits the pillow.
Beauty Tip #2: DO NOT sleep on your face. I have trained myself to sleep on my back to avoid unnecessary facial creases and wrinkles.
My evening routine is a ritual that I look forward to after a busy day. It is my meditative moment of peace and quiet. I play music, light candles, and spend a few minutes letting go of the day’s stressors. I am a double cleanser.
I used to oil cleanse, but my new favorite is Versed Cleansing Balm. The texture sold me and the eucalyptus smell kept me coming back! I love that it is a clean product, but super affordable. There is no reason to spend a ton of money on clean beauty.
Avalon Organics Vit C Cleanser
My other favorite cleanser is Avalon Organics Vit C Cleanser. (I get mine at Whole Foods.) When I am cleansing, usually with the balm, I take about two or three minutes to massage my face. If you follow me on Instagram, you know I am a crazy facial massage person. In my “Beauty” highlight titled, “All My Faves”, I demonstrate my evening routine, if you want to watch my massage techniques!
Moon Juice Acid Potion & The Beauty Chef Probiotic Skin Refiner
My latest obsessions are Moon Juice Acid Potion and The Beauty Chef Probiotic Skin Refiner. Toning is an important step in your skincare regiment.
Both of these items exfoliate, tighten, and tone without harsh chemicals. Don’t forget, if you are layering your products, it is important to go from lightest to heaviest. So, if you use retinol, now would be the time to do it (after toner before a serum or moisturizer).
If you are looking for a less harsh Vit A, I love over the counter Differin as my retinol. I only use it a couple times a week.
(P.S. Everyone should be using Hyaluronic Acid. Don’t be scared by the name. It naturally draws out the water in your skin so you wake up feeling moisturized and plump! I get mine from Trader Joe’s, believe it or not. Their beauty aisle is great–I love their new Supreme Hydrating Eye Cream too!)
For your bod, try Bangn Bod’s Smooth Skin Scrub. It is a clay-like mousse infused with coffee bean extract. All of these products use clean, sustainable, locally-sourced ingredients from Australia. Not only is the cream anti-inflammatory because of the pineapple oil, it also makes it smell like vacation. A no-brainer, really!!
Things To Put On Your Eyes & Lips
I am the resident beauty guru so I try everything but, unless I LOVE them, they don’t make the cut.
I apply serum to both my eyes and lips. Give Henne Organics a try. I am addicted to all of their products. The Lip Serum, the Lip Balm & the Lip Mask are all amazing in their own right!
It is important to use products made for under the eyes because the skin is so much thinner there than the rest of your face.
I have recently discovered a new Brand OY-L. We carry their crystal eye serum. I am a sucker for anything with a rollerball and this one is amethyst! I mean, how can you pass it up?!
I love Bangn Bod’s Lip and Eye Balm. It is the bomb-dot-com.
The final step in your facial regimen should always be oil. Not just to seal in all the healing properties of the products before it, but because a little night time facial massage really adds to the benefits! I have spoken about Everyday Mainstay Oil before, but it is a must in your beauty closet! It smells divine and pairs perfectly with my 24k gold firming massager. If you watched my Instagram Live with Jesse Golden, you may know that this is my go-to facial tool beside my gua sha!
Things To Put In Your Nighttime Tea
I always crawl into bed with my evening tea which isn’t really “tea” but more of a magical tincture of my own creation.
Did you know the majority of people are magnesium deficient? Ever since I learned that fact, I have added Magnesium to my evening routine. It is calming and a great way to help balance your digestion and elimination. I boil water, add Grown Tonic Evening Mushroom Adaptogen, Prebiotic Inulin, Olive Oil leaves for immunity, Magnesium & Beauty Chef Collagen. Be careful as magnesium fizzes a lot so you have to add the boiling water slowly & stir.
1. Simply Inulin / 2. Probiotic Skin Refiner / 3. Evening Adaptogen – Calming / 4. Collagen Inner Beauty Boost / 5. Bangn Bod Skin Scrub/ 6. Crystal Eye Serum / 7. Bangn Bod Eye Balm / 8. Magnesium / 9. Henne Lip Mask / 10. 24k Massager / 11. Chloroxygen / 12. Henne Lip Serum / 13. Versed Cleaning Balm / 14. Henne Lip Balm /15. Differin / 16. Blue Spirulina / 17. Avalon Organics Cleansing Gel /18. Chlorella Tablets / 19. Moon Juice
So there you have it, a glimpse into my bedtime ritual. I’d love to hear what you do to settle your mind and your body before catching some zzzs. As a good night’s rest is another beauty must-have, am I right?
Erika is a retail executive by day and a wife, mom, sister, and daughter by night. A self-proclaimed beauty junkie, a lover of fashion, a Pilates instructor, and a devoted yogi. If she could be anywhere, it would be on a sugar sand beach sipping chilled Rosé in her bikini, rockin’ her giant straw hat, and sunnies. She calls it Vit D therapy!
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