The Best Clean, All-Natural Skincare Products To Try

I rounded up the best natural skincare products that you need to try today. 

Last week Jennifer Freitas, founder of The Truth Beauty Co. put on the True Beauty Talk in Toronto. Over 20 clean beauty pioneers that are taking over the industry with their latest creations came together over the span of the day. The talk offered great networking opportunities, an expert panel, and an open forum to discover new leaders in the beauty space.

The morning panels were my favourite! I listened as the panelists discussed growth and investment, sustainability, and ingestables. All I can say, is I am excited about the clean movement taking place in Canada. Clean and green is not going anywhere. As we've seen with Clean at Sephora, and the influx of clean beauty entrepreneurs, it is here to stay, as it should! There are so many brands that are pushing the envelopment when it comes to cost, plant-based ingredients (which means no chemicals or parabens!), and are eco-friendly. I caught up with some of my favourite brands and their founders and here are the launches I am looking forward to.

Graydon Skincare: Fullmoon Serum
Okay, are you ready for this one? It's a water-based, plant-powered serum, which means it feels as light as air and oh so breathable. The ingredients in this one are crazy beneficial. We're talking hyaluronic acid, collagen, vitamin c, moringa extract, and retinol. , it does it ALL! Minimizes pores, nourishes dry skin, battles environmental stressors, reduces lines and wrinkles and it soothes. I know what you're thinking... too good to be true? And it's so lightweight you can still add on an oil overtop to lock it in. It's going to become a winter staple for me. It improves your skin, keeps you looking radiant, all while reducing signs of aging.

Indie Lee: Squalane Facial Oil
This oil hydrates the skin, balances oil levels and leaves you feeling nourished, moisturized and full of life. This isn't a new product, but it's a new to me product. I tried it on my hands and I couldn't believe how revitalized and refreshed they looked and felt! It changed the look of my hands, it gave the lines a blurred out effect, which is exactly the goal of this miracle worker. It works to fight uneven tones and textures and comes in at an amazing price point (C $38). Most importantly-- it does not feel clogging, or greasy. I can't wait to try out this oil, morning and night! Face, decollete, and hands! Another bonus, it's cruelty-free, vegan, and 100% pure olive-derived oil.

Well Told Health: Relaxation Booster (formally called Sleep)

Natural supplements made of organic botanicals and nothing else? Sign me up! I was immediately drawn to Well Told Health from the moment I heard founder Monica Ruffo speak. NO synthetics, no filler ingredients, just purely plant-based. They craft health boosters made from food ingredients. I'm excited the try out the sleep aid made from goji berries and lemon balm. As Monica said, sure you could eat a cup of lemon balm, but this is so much more realistic nowadays. Melatonin is a hormone, and I've been taking it a bit due to some irregular sleeping patterns so I cannot wait to replace melatonin with this booster. Other boosters include Energy (to counter stress and feelings of weakness), Anti-Inflammatory (for joint pains, minor wounds), and Vitamin D. I'll keep you posted!

Cardea AuSet: Sea Mineral Soak

Channeling the inner goddess in you and derived from nature and the Southern Ontario region, this brand is new to the space and is drawing in some major attention. They focus on gorgeous packaging, minimal aesthetic, and scents that will make you float to the clouds. I can't wait to try the Sea Mineral Soak to up my bath game.

Rocky Mountain: Face Polish
I am obsessed with this idea. It's a mineral base that you can literally mix in with your favourite agent. Water, coconut oil, yogurt, honey, avocado... the possibilities are endless! You leave it on like a mask and then wash off. Ah, so luxurious feeling!

Do you have any favourites? I'd love to know what you look for in clean beauty. All these fabulous brands can be purchased at The Truth Beauty Company. 

Three Networking Tips for Young Professionals

Networking can be overwhelming. Whether you're a young professional, in school, trying to make new contacts, or just trying to make new friends, networking can be down right scary!

The blogging sphere has become much more inclusive over the recent years however for someone that is introverted or shy, blogging events can be a scary situation, a hit and miss even. Will I know anyone? Will they be worthwhile? What will I get out of it. And let’s get real, sometimes we just need alone time and would rather sit on the couch reading. But instead of asking what will I get out of it, there is a different way to tackle the networking game. It all starts with asking what can I offer?

Here are a few tips to up your networking game and navigate the scene. 

1. Engage in conversation. 
Do not go to events looking to chat with the who’s who. If you are in conversation with someone actually engage with them! It can be so disheartening when you can totally tell the person you’re speaking with is glancing over your shoulder to see who they need to say hi to next. It's just sad and will make the person feel horrible. If you’re in a conversation with someone fully commit to chatting with this person and learn something about them! Make the mental note to repeat their name in your head (so it actually sticks), and to try and remember one thing you can take away from your conversation about them. Did they just come back from vacation? Are they taking a new night course? 

2. Focus on giving.  
Instead of asking what can this person do for me, ask what you can do for them.  It’s so important to not focus on your end game because what you put out to give, you will receive. Would you have gotten anywhere without the help of others? No, probably not. When your in an engaged conversation you can surely provide your expertise. It may be as simple as offering a contact, or saying something as simple as “sure, I’ll read it over”. It could mean the world to someone and you don't even know it! A talent or skill that comes so naturally to you, may not for the person you are connecting with. Networking is all about sharing your expertise and helping others. In turn, you will end up helping yourself. So try putting the other person first and see where it takes you! 

3. When in doubt- just keep talking. 
So is the conversation going nowhere? Are you bored and looking for an out? Try having a log of simple questions to pull out of your hat for when the conversation is dying off. Where did you grow up? What brings you here? What are you most excited about right now? What the best thing you have going on right now? If you just keep talking, you will find somewhat of a common ground. Having these questions in your back pocket to throw out when the conversation falls flat can be a game changer. 

Networking doesn't have to be a chore! It can be fun if you open up a little bit and embrace the possibility of really learning something new about someone. Even if you're shy or an introvert, you can apply these tips and really get something out of the conversation or event!

What goes better with networking than a new floral dress (on sale!)? Except this one is moody florals. Perfect for the fall season... to embrace darker, jewel tones, while still maintaining true to my core. It's so important to be comfortable in what you're in when your trying to make new connections. You'll feel more like yourself and this will enable you to open up.


Your turn! Tell me what networking tips you have!
S H O P T H E P O S T :

Win an Advent Calendar from The Body Shop

Who's ready to win an advent calendar from The Body Shop?

Goodbye, pumpkin spice.

Hello, holidays!

Who's with me?! It is by no means too early to embrace the season of giving. The year The Body Shop has released three magical advent calendars that are basically the perfect gift for anyone on your list who cares about their body. The theme of the calendars is Enchanted Forest and enchanted you will feel after you try out the selection of top Body Shop products!

P.S. you'll want to keep reading since I'm giving one away!



You guys know caring for the skin is so, so important to me, and so much important than makeup, but it can be an investment! And no one wants a wasted investment. That's why I love this advent calendar. First of all, who does not love to open a special treat every day, and one that you can use and take with you on the go! Yes, I'm looking at you Mr. Almond Hand Cream! You get to sample a selection of 24 goodies to see what you love, and then if it works for you, why not get the full size.

Winter can be rough on the skin. I'm talking dryness, flakiness, and redness. This calendar features The Body Shop favourites such as the Coconut Body Milk, the Almond Milk & Honey Body Butter, two Born Lippy Lip Balms, and soooo much more! They really curated the perfect pack of skincare essentials to soothe and hydrate your skin for the winter. Not to mention make you feel luxe. A bath bomb, some seasonal faves like the Peppermint Candy Cane shower gel, and even a sample Rose Plumping Mask to make your face glow.

The value of the set is pretty legit. This calendar retails for $69.00 and you get over $150.00 worth of goods. But really I wanted to share this with you guys because I need you to love and care for your skin. If I can help you do that then I'm winning. So how about you win? I'm giving away one of these bad boys to make your spirits bright and kick off the Holidays nice and early.

Check out The Body Shop's page to open advent with me on December 1st as they'll be featuring different bloggers every day on their page, and don't forget to enter right here!

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