CLEAN PRETTY IS BETTER PRETTY - The Budget & Drugstore Edition

High quality natural ingredients, organic certifications, ecologically safe packaging, fair-trade practices and effective "good for you" formula's should not only be accessible to those whose budget allows a little more room for personal care than the average person. Lets face it, most of us cannot afford the astronomical prices attached to a lot of the natural or organic cosmetics no matter how much we try and budget for such necessities. While I|am willing to pay a little more for the "cleaner" versions of my staple products there are times when I am simply not able to splurge on a $100 moisturizer, no matter how great it might sound.

In the first two installments of the "Clean Pretty is Better Pretty" project I featured various exceptional natural brands, whose formulations were groundbreaking and productive but a few of them came with price tags that were bound to make me nervous at checkout time. It got me wondering if "good" nature inspired cosmetics had to be so expensive in order to work out?

I am happy to report that after some research on the topic itself and a lot of testing, accompanied with trial & error, I discovered much more attainable brands that were wallet-friendly, had the same natural "actives" and preformed just as good as some their more expensive counterparts. If you know what to look for and do your homework, your local drugstore or various low-key websites are full of hidden, under-appreciated products that will make you and your bank account very happy.

Physician's Formula is one of those brands that I have always been aware of but never seriously considered until I noticed their Organic Wear collection. In fact Organic Wear is the first ECOCERT®Certified Organic Line of Makeup in the U.S. and said to contain 100% certified organic ingredients. All the products in this line up are free of harsh chemicals, synthetic preservatives, synthetic fragrances, silicone's and are certified cruelty free. Having played with a few Physician's Formula products in the past few weeks I am happy to report that these "gems" are not just full of skin-loving properties but are also completely effective when it comes to both preformance and wear time.
My favorites include - Organic wear 100% Natural Origin 2-in-1 Bronzer & Blush ($13.95) and Organic wear 100% Natural Lash Boosting Mascara ($9.95)


Aubrey Organics is a natural hair care, natural skin care and natural body care brand that is almost considered a staple in our household, so much so that I sometimes take its presence for granted. This company uses only the best herbal and plant extracts, with no synthetic additives, petrochemicals or chemical preservatives. In addition they have been historically committed to sourcing all of their ingredients from fair trade sources with product quality and environmental protection coming way ahead of profit margins. They are also true industry leaders with a number of seriously impressive "firsts" which you can view here.
Their motto says it all really "Protect the Earth...Promote the Well Being of People...Nourish the Spirit".
My favorite repurchases are: Collagen & Almond Enriching Moisturizing Lotion ($12.48 for 8 oz), Sparkling Glacier Complexion Mist ($7.98 for 3.4 oz) and Organic Evening Primrose Oil ($16.48 for 1 oz.)


Dr. Bronner's Magic All-in-One is one of the pioneers of today's "green" cosmetic industry and its founder Dr.Bronner might be one of the most colorful and unique CEO's you can imagine. The history of him, his family and his soap company is truly a testament of the preserverence and strength of the human spirit. I highly encourage you to read his timeline for a glimpse of what steadfast dedication and commitment can accomplish in the face of so much adversity. Seriously it will amaze you!

Dr.Bronners Magic Pure Castile Soaps are vegetable based, preservative-free, paraben-free and contain absolutely no artificial thickeners. The formula uses only organic essential oils and makes sure to follow all fair trade requirements.
On par with their "green" philosophy, the company also minimizes their ecological footprint by making everything 100% biodegradable and using only post-consumer recycled bottles and paper labels.
How can you not get behind them? 

My favorite Dr.Bronner's repurchases include: Lavender Liquid Soap ($10.95 for 16 oz), Peppermint Bar Soap ($4.49) and Lavender Coconut Organic Lotion ($9.99 for 8 oz)

Granted 100% Pure Cosmetics is not a typical drugstore brand but I wanted to include it in the "Clean Pretty is Better Pretty" because their prices are somewhat affordable and every product I tried from their skincare and makeup range has blown my mind. Keeping with the "natural brand" label 100% Pure Cosmetics does not use synthetic chemicals, artificial colors or fragrances, sulfates, petrochemicals, detergents or chemical preservatives. 

My favorite pics from their selection are 100% Pure Pineapple Enzyme Facial Peel Mask ($22.00 for 2.9 oz), 100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Lip Butter in Peach ($16) and 100% Pure Coconut Nourishing Body Cream ($19 for 8 oz). 

Kiss My Face is a veteran natural brand, having been around for over 30 years and was actually one of the first brands to offer the organic-natural option to the mass consumer. They strive to combine natural and organic botanicals, plant vitamins and essential oils with the latest scientific innovations in order to deliver a product that is good for you, harmless to the environment but also powerful enough to yield the promised results. I like the fact that Kiss My Face doesn't only consider what  goes into their lovely bottles but also how the packaging of the product will affect the ecosystem as a whole. Their motto "Our goal is to walk gently and respectfully with the earth" is more than commendable and something other brands "natural or 
not" should pay attention to.
My favorite Kiss My Face products are Lavender & Shea Moisture Shave ($4.90 for 3.4 oz), Coconut Body Moisturizer ($11.95 for 16 oz) and Miss Treated Shampoo ($7.95 for 11 oz).

Since our skin absorbs 60% of whatever we apply to the surface, it is more than important to try and find products that will benefit the complexion and the body at the same time. It is my hope that the "Clean Pretty is Better Pretty"series introduces you to a few more options to consider. 

I hope you join me in Part 2 

What is your favorite natural or organic drugstore brand?

XOXO

ANJA

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