Beauty & Tutorials

My Favorite “Self Care” Products Currently

All Natural Lip Masks, The Best Dry Brush, Fancy Razors & More
Filed Under > Beauty & Tutorials

The top self care products including natural collagen lip masks that actually work!

“Self care” is all the buzz these days, and I personally couldn’t be happier.  The art of staying in, rather than going out, is celebrated with an emphasis on the small luxuries that make us feel better.  Self care, and in turn self love, is something I am totally on board with, and honestly wish it would have been this much of a thing when I was in my twenties.  I would have spent a lot more nights dabbling in essential oil face masks and a lot less mornings hung over.

Like the rest of my beauty routine, I like to prioritize clean, all natural products as much as possible.  That means a lot of the ingredients include my favorite essential oils and beneficial ingredients like charcoal, jojoba oil, organic sea salt, along with plenty of antioxidants to completely nourish my skin all over.  

Fortunately, I’ve found that it’s easier than it used to be to find products that have all of these things and less of the things we don’t want! Whether you’re looking for an irresistible all natural perfume, a cure-all cold and flu soak, all natural collagen lip masks or the best ever dry brush, look no further.  

I’ve rounded up my current favorite, natural, and just a tad indulgent, self care products here today.  Because if you didn’t know about natural collagen lip masks and 14k gold razors, you haven’t been living.  Truly, MKR

P.S. While these are my current favorites I’m always on the lookout for more, so I’d love to hear your own personal favorite self care products in the comments below!

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French Girl Organics Rose Facial Polish

Waiting on Martha Home, $38

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This fine grained facial polish is a wonderful exfoliant that’s rich in antixidants and all natural ingredients.  It’s gentle and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive like mine! 

French Girl Organics Rose/Ylang Sea Spray

Waiting on Martha Home, $26

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Ever longed for those perfect I’ve-been-at-the-beach-all-day waves?! This sea spray is my personal favorite for adding a little texture to my locks with three varieties of organic sea salt and nourishing essential oils. 

KNC Beauty All Natural Collage Infused Lip Mask

Violet Grey, $24.99

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I was so thrilled to stumble across this all natural moisturizing mask for my lips!  It helps hydrate and plump lips with collagen, hyaluronic acid, moisturizing plant extracts and vitamin E.  Bonus points because it’s formulated without fragrance, parabens or mineral oils! 

I apply the masks to my lips for 15-20 minutes two times before a big photoshoot or event. 

Aura Botanica Aromatic Nourishing Oil Blend

Keratese, $58

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The Aura Botanica line by Keratese is made of 99% natural ingredients and it is DIVINE.  This one is a multipurpose oil that nourishes your hair with avocado oil, jojoba oil and rosemary extract.  And the fragrance comes from sweet orange essential oil, which is said to boost your mood!  I’ve never had my hair feel so soft and look so shiny! 
 

Aura Botanica Essence D'Eclat Moisture Mist

Keratese, $43

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This lightweight hair mist works to nourish the hair while controlling the frizz, which I always need in the summertime in this humidity!  It’s composed of jojoba oil, avocado oil, coconut oil and argan oil, along with sweet orange essential oil and Damask rose flower water.  Seriously, you want this in your life!

Merben International Hard Texture Foot Brush

Amazon, $11.99

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I am completely and utterly obsessed with Merben dry brushes these days; in fact, we have them coming to The Well Code collection at the shoppe soon!  They vary in size and texture of bristles, and they are a game-changer in your skincare game.  This hard texture brush is perfect for using on rough calluses on your feet and heels.  You’ll feel like you just left the spa after you use this! 

Smart Ash Teeth Whitener + Detoxifier

Bedrock & Bloom, $30

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The quest for whiter teeth doesn’t have to stop when you go green with your beauty and personal care products, I’m finding.  This nontoxic, all natural and organic teeth whitener is the new addition to my morning and nighttime routine. 

French Girl Organics Ambre Noir Liquid Parfum

Waiting on Martha Home, $55

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French Girl Organics gives us a completely safe and clean perfume in irresistible Ambre Noir. The top notes include essential oils frankincense, cardamom, with heart notes of sandalwood and vanilla. Lastly, the bottom notes are amber, cistus and vetiver.  All of my favorites! 

French Girl Organics Rose Lip Polish

Waiting on Martha Home, $15

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I practically have one of these in every hand bag, on my nightstand, and bathroom counter!  I love this all natural and organic rose lip polish that gently exfoliates dry skin and leaves me with the perfect pout. 

C.O. Bigelow Cold & Flu Soak

Nordstrom, $18

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I recently discovered this amazing herbal formula that helps boost immunity and fresh breath, while soothing me whenever I’m feeling a bit congested too.  It’s seriously a cure-all.  Ingredients include revitalizing eucalyptus and peppermint essential oil, along with willow bark, echinacea and ginger. 

Cel-Lite Magic Massage Oil

Young Living, $31.75 via The Well Code

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Anything that promises to rid me of cellulite…sign me up! Young Living gives us an all natural, super hydrating massage oil that can’t be anything but good for the skin. It includes pure vegetable oils, vitamin E, and essential oils.  The grapefruit oil improves the appearance of skin texture, while Juniper oil helps cleanse. 

French Girl Organics Jasmine Liquid Parfum

Waiting on Martha Home, $55

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I’ve found recently that I adore the smell of jasmine.  It’s sweet, intoxicating and smells like summer.  That’s why I’ve turned to this all natural perfume by French Girl Organics lately; it’s heavenly. 

Fur Oil

Free People, $44

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It’s not taboo to talk about pubic hair anymore thanks to Fur Oil.  This all natural blend, vegan oil helps soften hair and clear pores, ultimately fighting the possibility of ingrown hairs.  Ingredients include grapeseed oil, jojoba oil and antibacterial essential oils like clary sage, lemon, peppermint, tea tree and more. 

Carrie 14k Gold Razor Set

Oui Shave, $85

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So glam, right?! This gorgeous razor is just as helpful as it is beautiful though.  It’s great for normal to sensitive skin that’s subject to irritation from shaving, and coarse and fast-growing hair.  I especially love the all natural healing shave oil that comes with the razor too. And if you don’t believe the hype read the reviews on the site; 49 reviews and almost everyone is 5 stars! 

 

 

SW Basics Oil Serum

Target, $29

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My current silky, nourishing serum on rotation is like a “healthy, balanced diet for your skin.” Ingredients include pure organic avocado, geranium, turmeric, and coffee oils, it has crazy-high levels of essential fatty acids, phytoesterols, antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, and other super-nutrients.

Featured image, Rustic White for Waiting on Martha

The 5 Best Nail Polishes I Come Back To Season After Season

The Tried-and-True Classics & New Favorites On Rotation
Filed Under > Beauty & Tutorials

While I always love a good new buy, especially in the beauty department, I’m truly a creature of habit when it all comes down to it.  There are just some products that deserve love and loyalty after all of these years of wearing them and replacing them.  And that includes the best nail polishes.

I’ve always preferred painting my own nails and giving myself an at-home mani.  I’m one of those people that can’t stand being held captive for that amount of time when I can do it myself at home.  And I’m pretty good at them, I must admit!  So when it comes to nail polish, I like to have all of my favorites on-hand.  

Like everyone and their mom, I could never quit OPI Cajun Shrimp.  The punchy fire-engine-red, yet tropical coral hue has always screamed OOO to me, even when vacation plans were not in the cards.  And I think I’ve been wearing Essie Ballet Slippers for going on 13 years…am I aging myself by saying that?!  

But the best nail polishes deserve their homage, and today I’m claiming my top five that I wear season after season.  When I discovered nontoxic and 8-free Smith & Cult a few years ago, I was thrilled to add a few more “constants” to my forever list, like this cold-weather oxblood and this universally flattering nude.  See any you love?!  What shades would you add to the list?  Truly, MKR

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Smith & Cult Ghost Edit

Net-a-porter, $18

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Neutral on my fair skin is always difficult.  But somehow, Smith & Cult nailed it with Ghost Edit. This color is utterly perfect, and it’s universally flattering on all skin tones. 

Essie Ballet Slippers

Target, $8.99

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I’ve been wearing Ballet Slippers for 15+ years.  It’s the smooth, soft pale pink that every woman should have in their arsenal. 

OPI Cajun Shrimp

Ulta, $10

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The classic of the classics, am I right?!  Cajun Shrimp will forever and always be one of the best nail polish colors in the land.  It signifies OOO with a drink in-hand…even if it’s just a state of mind. Ha! 

OPI That's Berry Daring

Target, $7.39

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It’s punchy, it’s bright and it’s an incredibly flattering shade all year ’round! That’s Berry Darling has been one of my favorite OPI colors for years, and one that I probably will always own. 

Smith & Cult Dark Like Me

Neiman Marcus, $18

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Here’s my go-to during the winter months; another rich, bold shade by 8-free brand Smith & Cult. The berry tones mix with oxblood for the absolute perfect deep red. 

Featured image, Kathryn McCrary for Waiting on Martha

There’s An Oil For That; Here’s a Clean Oil For Every Beauty Need

When you realize that there's an oil for everything
Filed Under > Beauty & Tutorials

The best facial oil and an oil for everything, waitingonmartha.com

Gone are the days when “oil” makes us run the other way in the beauty department.  NO, they won’t break you out, and YES, you’ll see a huge difference in your skin’s texture, luminosity and glow after using them.   These miracle multi-taskers are incredible products that can cleanse, detoxify, hydrate and nourish the skin all over your body. 

It’s funny because I recently realized that I use an oil for pretty much everything, especially now that I’ve gone green with my beauty routine.  So today’s post is an ode to oil, if you will.  I find myself saying, “there’s an oil for that!” all of the time to friends and family, and I think you’ll quickly be right there with me, if you’re not already.  From the best ever cleansing oil and makeup remover to anti-aging essential oils and so much more, the power of oils is simply undeniable.  How “oily” are you?!  Truly, MKR

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One Love Organics Oh Mega Calming Chia Oil

Waiting on Martha Home, $49

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This ultra calming, antioxidant-rich oil has been a WOM team favorite for since the beginning of our love affair with One Love Organics.  It includes a blend of organic chia seeds, shea, aloe and lavender, which packs great omega-3’s to nourish even the most sensitive skin. 

I apply a few drops of this oil to my skin whenever it’s feeling a little irritated or worse for the wear.  OLO shares the tip that you can apply this oil directly to clean, damp skin, or you can add a few drops to your favorite serum or moisturizer to intensify results! 

French Girl Organics Hair Revive Oil

Waiting on Martha Home, $38

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I’ve found that many all natural, safer shampoos and conditioners sometimes leave my hair feeling dry and not as silky as their chemical-laden counterparts. So as a result, I’ve been on a hunt for a great hair oil that gives me the feeling like I’ve been at the salon for hours.  Enter French Girl Organics’ Hair Revive Oil.  It’s argan oil-based, and infused with a subtle Moroccan rose scent.  I just love the intense moisture it brings to my hair; I usually apply it once a week. 

One Love Organics Vitamin B Cleansing Oil + Makeup Remover

Waiting on Martha Home, $42

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This multi-award winning Vitamin B Enzyme Cleansing Oil + Makeup Remover by One Love Organics is everything and more.   It effortlessly, and I mean effortlessly, removes all traces of makeup.  But while it’s doing that, it’s also giving your skin a little TLC by restoring its natural moisture barrier and pH balance. This oil leaves your skin incredibly clean, nourished and detoxified.  If you’re going to get one facial oil, GET THIS ONE.  

Fur Oil

Fur, $44

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Since we’re talking about oils for the entire body, we’d be amiss if we left this one out.  Fur created an oil that softens, conditions, clears and soothes hair and hair follicles down there.  With a blend of essential oils and vitamins A and E, this oil is must-have for anyone who shaves or waxes. The result is fewer ingrown hairs and ultimately healthier skin. Can we all say a little Amen?! 

Frankincense Essential Oil

Young Living via The Well Code, $73.50

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Among a whole host of benefits, Frankincense essential oil works wonders in the anti-aging department, and especially with wrinkles and fine lines.  It works to protect skin sells, reduce breakouts, decrease the size of large pores, and tighten skin.  I usually apply it “neat” to my face and neck, though I’ve also added a few drops to jojoba oil to stretch more uses out of each bottle. I don’t know what I did before I discovered Frank! 

Get a discount by joining our team at The Well Code! Learn more here

French Girl Organics Lumiere Bronzing Oil

Waiting on Martha Home, $40

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Nothing beats a little summer glow, and this bronzing oil by French Girl Organics captures that essence perfectly.  It’s an organic based formula infused with bright, floral scents of jasmine and neroli.  While it’s not a self-tanner, it gives a subtle, beautiful and sun-kissed glow for a night out on the town.

Young Living Cel-Lite Magic Massage Oil

Young Living via The Well Code, $31.75

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I recently ordered Cel-Lite Magic Massage Oil via The Well Code and I’m already wondering how I lived without it. With ingredients like pure vegetable oils, Vitamin E and a blend of essential oils, the oil effectively tones and nourishes any “problem areas” you want to give a little love to.  I’ve seen a nice improvement in the look AND feel of my skin after using.

Get a discount by joining our team at The Well Code! Learn more here

One Love Organics Vitamin C Brightening Serum

One Love Organics, $75

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Here’s another favorite from OLO; a daily facial serum that visibly brightens skin dulled by stress and environmental elements. It’s made from a plant powered formula that has Vitamin C and organic green tea and Vitamin E to nourish the skin and make it more even-toned. As someone who dealt with acne and acne scars, this serum is always front and center on my bathroom counter. 

French Girl Organics Under Eye Elixir

Waiting on Martha Home, $34

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My first signs of aging appeared in the delicate skin around my eyes.  So now I tend to this area with a whole lot of love.  I discovered this under-eye elixir by French Girl Organics and roll a small amount under the eye gently every day. The mixture includes skin-supporting ingredients like fatty acids and essential oils to help fight fine lines.

Cocopull Coconut Oil Pulling Packets

Amazon, $19.99

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I’ve talked before about coconut pulling, and I still lean on this easy and natural way to keep my teeth white and feeling fresh.  It’s also an effective way of getting better breath and fighting poor mouth health without the harmful toxins.  And it’s just crazy how clean your mouth feels after swishing coconut oil around! 

 

Oui Shave Hydrating Shave Oil

Urban Outfitters, $16

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Shaving oil has officially replaced my toxic shaving cream; and I’m never looking back.  This super hydrating formula preps your leg for your shave, by repairing and moisturizing the skin.  It includes a solid natural blend of oils that heal and tone your skin, while decreasing the risk of irritation. It’s made without parabens, fragrances, etc. and it still smells utterly divine. Think orange blossoms and flowers. 

Lavender Essential Oil

Young Living via The Well Code, $23.50

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Lavender essential oil is known for its soothing, calming effects.  But many people don’t realize how good it is for healthy hair, too!  I love to add a few drops of the oil to my shampoo and conditioner to help promote long, healthy locks. 

Get a discount by joining our team at The Well Code! Learn more here

Featured image, Rustic White for Waiting on Martha

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