I’ve always been a fan of a great at-home bar. I strongly believe it’s a must-learn life skill to mix up classic cocktails, and as an avid host, it’s important to provide an array...
Looking back on Easter as a child, I remember how excited I was to dig through my Easter basket. Full of chocolate bunnies, malt ball Easter eggs, Peeps, golden coins, and my favorite Cadbury...
Lets be honest, salads can be boring. So I’m always trying to think outside of the box to come up with salad recipes that I’ll thoroughly enjoy, but are beyond easy to make. Enter...
Lets be honest, salads can be boring. So I’m always trying to think outside of the box to come up with salad recipes that I’ll thoroughly enjoy, but are beyond easy to make. Enter...
Hello, winter skin woes (read: annoying acne breakouts, tight and dry skin and lackluster complexion); we meet again. Unfortunately, it’s safe to say that I’m struggling with my yearly beauty battle of the cold season. I’m reaching for anything and everything that can help me fight blemishes without skipping a beat, while lining up the overnight masks and creams that can keep my skin hydrated and soft after I buff with my Clarisonic.
I’m sharing each of the products I currently have on rotation below, but I’ve got to point out a few of the MVPs here too. As you may remember, I went on a beauty bender with Fresh products last month. This firming overnight mask was part of the haul, and I’ll tell you: it STILL has me completely enamored; it’s rich, yet lightweight, and it’s made me wake up with a brighter glow than I thought was possible this time of year. Obsessed, I tell you! And to fight blemishes, I’m using NERD Skincare‘s all natural acne cleanser, which is unique in that it doesn’t have the harsh benzoyl peroxide or salycylic acid that most acne products do. The brand is worth checking out if you’re also struggling with a bit of adult acne but can’t bother with the (damaging) drugstore duds. The all natural acne cleanser is my current favorite, but the entire line is strong.
The wintry cold doesn’t have me quitting my go-to, 5-free nontoxic nail polish; I’m just shifting my shades a bit darker (“Dark Like Me” and “Lovers Creep” are my favorites)! A strong polish that’s as beautiful as it is safe (and long lasting) just cannot be beat in my mind. Both Kat and I have tried a few other nontoxic nail polish brands, but we keep coming back to Smith & Cult for being the best.
Check out the rest of the products below, and tell us if you’ve tried any of them too! Truly, MKR
I do my own manicures at home (I actually dread the time spent in the salon chair!), so a nail polish that looks just as good by me as the professionals is key. I do the whole routine; the cuticle oil is one of my secrets to a smudge-free hand.
Smith & Cult is my go-to 5-free nontoxic nail polish that literally lasts longer than any other polish I’ve worn. I have about a dozen shades at home, along with the base coat and top coat. Once you go Smith & Cult, you’ll never look back!
I can’t say enough for this little guy. I LOVE that it’s a convenient size that I can throw in my bag when I travel. The Mia Fit is both lightweight and waterproof, so I usually use it in the shower.
The delicate, yet powerful design is the surest way to remove makeup, buff dead skin and find soft, smooth skin beneath. The reviews say it all; people are obsessed with this Clarisonic, and I’m one of them.
Not all face oils are created equal, I’m finding. I’m currently in love with this one (and The Well Code approves). It has an all-star lineup of ingredients: organic rosehip oil (corrects dark spots and restores suppleness), organic argan oil (an anti-oxidant that hydrates and softens), jojoba oil (a great anti-inflammatory that reduces the appearance of wrinkles and pore size), organic sea buckthorn seed oil (calms redness), vitamin e oil (a strong anti-oxidant that boosts collagen production), jasmine essential oil (tones all skin types), lavender essential oil (soothes skin), and geranium essential oil (reduces the appearance of wrinkles).
Whew! I use 2-3 drops day and night after I’m done cleansing and toning. And I’ve got to say…it’s damn good.
I use this toner as my second step to my daily skincare routine (after cleansing) and before applying the face oil. The umbrian clay helps purify the skin, while cinnamon bark and burnet root work to clarify. I love the addition of lavender floral water in the mix too; it tones and balances (and relaxes me!).
This face mask is a big reason my skin feels soft and supple, despite the frigid temps. It has a unique, cooling gel formula that seriously melts into your skin. The mask soothes and tones my complexion (I can smell the cucumber and the aloe) and it’s simply a lovely feeling on my face and neck. Another really, really great buy from Fresh.
I’ve started using this gentle cleanser daily since my skin has flared up a bit with the colder temperatures. I have sensitive skin, so I really enjoy this plant-derived cleanser that doesn’t strip my face too harshly.
My skin feels SO soft after using this, and I haven’t felt my usual tight, too-dry skin I usually do this time of year after cleansing.
I’m glad I snatched up a bottle of Wild Fig & Cassis before it was discontinued! I know it’s just a tease to hear it now, but I just can’t get enough of the fragrance. “Sun-warmed figs and delicate cassis is entwined with notes of hyacinth and cedarwood, enveloping the wearer in the warmth of the Mediterranean” just whisks me away to heaven.
Of course, her other fragrances are note-worthy; I’ve worn Jo Malone for years. The gift sets make great gift ideas this time of year too!
Like I said earlier, I’ve experienced a few more breakouts recently than my usual. I use this Acne Clearing Wash in the shower to help keep them under control.
It’s alcohol and paraben free, too, so I feel better using it than, say, your standard harsh acne wash.
I never colored or filled in my brows before. I’ve heard many girls swear by doing it, but since have such light coloring on my face, I hadn’t really thought about doing so until recently. So when I decided to try it out, I of course looked to the go-to name in the game, Anastacia Beverly Hills. I tried the Tinted Brow Gel in blonde, and with a few practice runs I was able to get it looking natural and subtle.
Another must-have in the brow department I learned: the Perfect Brow Pencil. This pencil is two-sided, giving you the means to apply and blend the color perfectly into your natural brow. I really like the consistency of this pencil; it’s a creamy formula that dries down to a natural powder finish and helps you get the most natural effect possible. I ordered the blonde shade here as well.
I. Am. Obsessed. with this Black Tea Firming Overnight Mask by Fresh. While you sleep, your skin is already working to recover and turnover, and this mask works in sync with that! It gives me an incredibly moisturized feel to my skin in the morning, while firmer too (I swear).
I like to apply it to my face, neck and chest, leaving it on overnight.
I picked up this special edition lip scrub at Create & Cultivate in October, and I can’t be caught without it now. It tastes and smells like a Sprinkles cupcake, which is AMAZING and right up my alley. But most importantly, the lip scrub is packed with essential oils that hydrate and gently exfoliate my lips so I can keep the perfect pout. Aaand it’s paraben free, which is so important in my book!
Where was NERD Acne Treatment when I needed it years ago?! This unique acne treatment lotion uses your own immune system to kill acne on your face by nurturing the good, acne-fighting bacteria. The lotion works WITHOUT damaging benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid you’ll find in other acne products. Instead, it uses powerful plant extracts, and it’s lightweight and colorless. It’s amazing, I tell you…I swear my face looked clearer after a few days.
You know, if a couple drops of essential oil can help me feel better, help change my skincare routine, and help me get rid of so many harsh chemicals in my household then essential oils are something I can get behind. So I thought today I’d share the ten best essential oils that I can’t stop using.
Truthfully, I used to joke that it’s all a little too “woo-woo” for me, but I quickly found that the world of essential oils isn’t “woo-woo” but rather been around since basically the dawn of time, hello frankincense and myrrh. And aside from the actual positive physical and mental effects I’ve found from the oils, the education of it all has been really enjoyable.
I’ve been using essential oils here and there for years, but only recently when faced with frustrations in numerous areas of my life, did I truly plunge in. And once I was in, I was IN! Hence the beginning of my relationship with Young Living Essential Oils. And since starting this journey the number one question I’ve been getting is, “okay but how do I actually use oils and what are the best essential oils?”
There’s literally an oil for EVERYTHING. And the essential oils you’ll use will consistently change with the season and evolve with how you’re feeling, what you’re fighting, etc. Below I’ve went into more detail about the top ten best essential oils I’m using right now and how I’m using them.
I mentioned above that it wasn’t until late last year that I actually took the plunge with Young Living, and I’ve got to say I wish I would have purchased a Premium Starter Kit years ago when I had originally begun dabbling in oils. It would have saved A LOT of time and A LOT of money, see the math below. I’ve probably spent double the cost of the kit on lower quality oils and diffusers in the past. There’s a reason why the Premium Starter Kit is simply the smartest way to get started, which you can read all about they why HERE. And I’d LOVE to know about your go-to essential oils, your favorite uses and even ones you’re hoping to try out soon. Truly, MKR
P.S. If you’re interested in getting started with essential oils, and have any questions at all, don’t hesitate to reach out via email: hello@thewellcode.com. We know it’s all a bit overwhelming, but the entire WOM team began with the Premium Starter Kit with monthly Essential Rewards to keep the oils coming. And once you do the math you’ll see why a starter kit is really the way to go. The kit retails for $350, but you only pay $160 and gets you 11 essential oils averaging plus a free dew drop diffuser which retails for $60. And once you see the pricing of each oil on it’s own you’ll understand why a kit is a must. Not to mention you forever get the wholesale pricing on anything going forward. Can’t beat that! xo
Peppermint is an easy favorite; I apply this essential oil on my forehead with water (50:50) the morning after I’ve over-indulged at holiday party, and I keep it in the fridge for an extra cooling effect. I also add a drop to my coffee, water or tea to help me curb my appetite and soothe my always tumultuous tummy.
It’s affordable (and comes in the Premium Starter Kit because it’s such an essential), and something I always like to have on-hand for a quick boost.
The importance of nontoxic cleaning is really a no-brainer. To me, it was simple to switch out my fragrance and chemical-laden detergents for Thieves. As opposed to chemical-laden alternatives, Thieves helps neutralize smells and purifies the air, instead of masking odors and leaving more bad stuff to breathe in!
I use Thieves to clean throughout my house, and while doing so, it’s been easy for me to see why Thieves is one of Young Living’s bestsellers (also included in the Premium Starter Kit). My favorite way to use it? I mix a few drops of the oil with water for an all-purpose counter spray and a gentle linen spray. I also add a few drops to baking soda and sprinkle the mixture in all of our garbage cans to keep the stink away. But it can be used in a wide range of household products from laundry detergents to even toothpaste, too.
Tea tree essential oil has been used as part of skin care regimens for centuries around the world. It’s a powerful oil that can moisturize and help clear the appearance of blemishes.
Since it’s a powerful oil, I like to apply tea tree topically to my shoulders and back (along the sports bra line) after I work out. Its cleaning properties can help keep any post-workout breakouts at bay.
Every night, I diffuse lavender essential oil bedside in my Dew Drop Diffuser plus roll it on my feet, wrists, and neck. It’s one of Young Living’s most versatile and powerful essential oils, and can be found in so many products because the calming, fresh and pleasing aroma is just second to none.
I also recently made an easy DIY lavender nighttime spray with a 8-10 drops of oil with water that I keep in the extra bedroom for when guests stay with us.
I use purification almost everyday. Made up of six essential oils for Purification is the ultimate weapon against odors. Citronella, Lavandin, Lemongrass, Rosemary, Myrtle, and Tea Tree work together to create a refreshing, bright scent that keeps you and your family happy and comfortable.
I diffuse it throughout my house every time I cook, in the garage, in my car, and always have a spray bottle around ready to spritz any area that just needs a little pick me up.
Tangerine is that oil that I find I add to everything. Because of its appealing aroma, Tangerine oil uses include a wealth of topical and aromatic applications. Use its cleansing benefits in your morning skin care routine for an added boost or apply it to your temples before study time or meditation. I also add a few drops to peppermint or eucalyptus for the diffuser, a few drops on my wrist to motivate me before a workout, and a few drops of Tangerine Vitality to my water to amp up the flavor.
Use it for: motivation, cleansing, & energy balance
It’s agreed that Frankincense can increase feelings of spirituality and inner strength! There’s no wonder it’s been highly revered for years; it also helps me minimize breakouts from the stress of the season, while moisturizing my skin as it gets dry this time of year.
I apply 1-2 drops to my face, neck and chest morning and night, and additionally whenever needed (I wore an itchy sweater the other day and broke out in a rash…Frankincense to the rescue!).
Use it for: immune support, skin health, spiritual grounding
I place a few drops of spearmint essential oil into my tea for my tummy. It’s known to be milder than peppermint, so it’s easy on my digestion if my stomach is acting up. It also has a really great, uplifting aroma, and I enjoy it blended with lavender in my diffuser.
Use it for: emotional release, digestive support, respiratory health
Along with the Frankincense, I apply a few drops of Copaiba essential oil when my face is broken out or inflamed, or I have any rash like I do right now on my chest thanks to an itchy sweater. Not as well known as Frankincense, Copaiba has been traditionally used for similar skincare support, helping the body’s natural response to injury or irritation.
Occasionally, I also have physical tension ( thanks, Mother Nature) and I apply a few drops of Copaiba with a carrier oil when that happens. Copaiba contains the highest amounts of beta caryophyllene (a natural substance that influences your body’s ability to respond to irritation) of all of the essential oils and is basically an MVP in that department.
Basil essential oil is known to have a fresh, herbaceous aroma (like the fresh herb!). I’ve found that it can be calming and refreshing when I mix a few drops into my nighttime bath. I’ve been doing so lately with a few drops of Basil essential oil when I need a little “me time” to think.
**The information contained on this website is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information represents what I, an Independent Distributor of Young Living Essential Oils, have chosen to do to take charge of my own personal health and that of my family. Statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products on this site are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using these products.
Information found on this site is meant for educational and informational purposes only, and to motivate you to make your own health care and dietary decisions based upon your own research and in partnership with your health care provider. It should not be relied upon to determine dietary changes, a medical diagnosis or courses of treatment. Individual articles and information on other websites are based upon the opinions of the respective authors, who retain copyright as marked.
This DIY all natural lip scrub and body scrub have my name written all over them. Well, Kat’s too because she’s obsessed with any and all kinds of scrubs these days. But seriously, this may be our favorite DIY since our flavored salts way back in the day.
These scrubs prove to be excellent exfoliators and moisturizers (thanks to the Coconut Oil), with ingredients you can feel good about. They’re great for yourself of course (at-home spa night, anyone?!), but they also make a thoughtful and affordable gift idea this holiday season.
What you’ll need: organic evaporated sugar crystals (don’t worry, you can find them in your grocery store and on Amazon), Christmas Spirit (my favorite essential oil by far…it smells like all the Christmastime feels with its sweet, spicy blend of orange, cinnamon, and spruce essential oils), peppermint essential oil, orange zest and coconut oil. Easy as that! If you’re pulling together your ingredients and find yourself sans Christmas Spirit or peppermint essential oil, first be sure to enter our GIVEAWAY this week, but then go ahead and snag your Premium Starter Kit to get covered on that front. And if you’re totally new to essential oils, make sure to read why we’ve become obsessed with oils HERE.
Anyway, back to the DIY at hand. The actual process of making the DIY all natural lip scrub and body scrub is simple. For the lip scrub, I simply combine all of the ingredients together in a bowl with my hand (it’s easiest to get your desired consistency that way). I store it in an small airtight jar like this one. And if I’m gifting it, I just tie with a bow and voila…the perfect little “happy”!
As for the DIY body scrub, I mix coconut oil and sugar in a stand mixer until I have a paste. After transferring it to a bowl, I mix in the orange zest and essential oils. Lastly, I add a few drops of cranberry juice for the coloring…though I do it super slowly to get the palest of pinks (it can get red fast!). Like with the DIY all natural lip scrub, I store the body scrub in an airtight glass container or apothecary jar in my fridge. It’s a super easy (under 10 minutes), thoughtful, homemade treat this time of year that I’ll definitely be gifting! Truly, MKR
P.S. Enter our essential oils giveaway HERE. And check out my picks below for great apothecary and cosmetic jars. xo
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2 tablespoons of organic evaporated cane juice crystals
1 tablespoon organic coconut oil
2 drops peppermint oil
1 drop Young Living Christmas Spirit*
Zest of 1/2 orange
For the Body Scrub
14 oz organic coconut oil
3/4 cup standard sugar (I used fine crystals because I don't like my body scrub to be super rough, but it's your preference)
zest of 2 oranges
10 drops peppermint oil
About 15 drops of Young Living Christmas Spirit*
A couple drops cranberry juice (amount based on what shade of pink you want)**
For the Lip Scrub
Blend all ingredients to your desired consistency (I use my fingers to really get a feel for the consistency!).
Store in an airtight container or jar in the fridge.
Tie up with a bow, and gift away!
For the Body Scrub
In a stand mixer, mix coconut oil and sugar until you have a paste.
Transfer to a bowl and mix in the zest and the oil.
Mix it all together, and then add a few drops of coloring (slowly...you don't want it to be red!).
Store airtight in a glass container or apothecary jar in your fridge.
Tie up with a bow and it's ready for gifting!
Notes
*If you don't have Young Living Christmas Spirit, or can't get it (it's super popular!), sub this ingredient out for orange essential oil and a warming spice oil like cinnamon, clove or nutmeg.
**You can also use beet juice or pomegranate juice for a natural pink coloring to your body scrub.
By Mandy Kellogg Rye @ Waiting on Martha
Welcome by Waiting on Martha https://waitingonmartha.com/
