I’ve been super excited to put this blog post and video review together. I feel like I’ve been planning it for some time now. Over the past year, whenever I’ve come across a truly outstanding product, I’ve made a mental note that I must include it in my “Green Beauty Favourites 2017.” I’m one of those people that loves to share great things I find, especially when they give me such great results. And I’m super excited to share these products with you!
Majority of the products I’ve included in my Green Beauty Favourites 2017 are products that I started using in 2017 that have really made a difference in my skin. One product isn’t a new product to me, but the results I got from using it in 2017 has been so outstanding, I had to include it.
I’ve put together a video review and written summary of my green beauty favourites for 2017. I recommend checking out both the video and the written reviews, so you can see the products, learn how I recommend using them, what skin types are best suited for them, the results I got from using each product, and why they’re the best products I used in 2017.
Oskia – Renaissance Cleansing Gel
What is it?
Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel is a non-foaming, very gentle “gel” cleanser. I actually find it to be more of a balm, than a gel.
When you apply it your skin, the gel melts into an oil, but unlike most oils, when you remove it with a cloth, it doesn’t leave any oil residue behind.
The Renaissance Cleansing Gel contains MSM, exfoliating enzymes, and Vitamin C, E, and A. Not only does it cleanse the skin, but the Vitamins C & A help brighten the skin, MSM helps tissue repair, and exfoliating enzymes smoothes the skin of build up and texture.
Why it’s my favourite?
I’ve been using this cleanser off and on for 7 years (I’m just finishing my 5th bottle). I ADORE this cleanser. In 2017, what really stood out was how much it helped fade melasma/hyperpigmentation from my pregnancy.
Pretty much, this is the only natural product I have used that has made any difference in the melasma all over my forehead and cheeks. Since cleansing with it day and night over the past few months, the patches of melasma are 80%-85% gone. I no longer have to wear any makeup to cover it up and it’s pretty hard to detect. I would say it took about two months of cleansing with it twice a day to get these results. I am beyond thrilled!
I’ve been recommending the Renaissance Cleansing Gel for years, specifically for fading acne scars, smoothing textured skin and repairing sun damage. I’ve always known it to be an excellent skin resurfacer, but I didn’t realize until recently how much it helps with fading melasma/hyperpigmentation. Let’s just say, I felt like I won the lotto when I saw the melasma disappearing.
How long have I been using it?
I’ve been using this cleanser off and on for the last 7 years (it’s a staple in my skin care routine). For the past 3 months I’ve been using it exclusively because it’s totally fading my melasma.
How do I use it?
I normally alternated between oil cleansing and using the Renaissance Cleansing Gel, but in recent months, I’ve been using it exclusively.
I currently use it as my morning cleanser, and at night I double cleanse with it (I wash my face twice in a row with it).
If you wear a lot of makeup, at night you might want to use an oil cleanser for your first cleanse, and follow with the Renaissance Cleansing Gel for your second cleanse.
Even though this is a gel cleanser, the consistency is more like a balm, so you can’t rinse it off with water. You’ll need to remove it with a damp wash cloth.
Who should use it?
I recommend the Renaissance Cleansing Gel for anyone with normal to oily skin, or combination skin that is more on the oily side.
If you are looking for an oil-based cleanser that washes off clean and doesn’t leave any oil residue behind – this cleanser is for you!
This is also a great cleanser for acne prone skin and fading acne scars and marks. If you are using the Renaissance Cleansing Gel while you have breakouts or active acne, make sure you are using a super soft, gentle washcloth with this cleanser, because a washcloth that is too rough in texture will make your breakouts worse. My favourite washcloth is Grovia Cloth Wipes.
The Renaissance Cleansing Gel will brighten your skin, and can be used to repair sun damage, hyperpigmentation, and smoothing any texture on your skin.
Who this is not good for?
The only skin type I don’t recommend this for is dry and very dehydrated skin. While I was pregnant earlier this year, my skin went from being super oily to being very dry and dehydrated, and I never reached for this cleanser. I only used it once during my entire pregnancy, and I immediately found it too drying. I also recall a few years ago one of our subscribers with dry skin had reported a similar experience, she found it didn’t give her dry skin the nourishment it needed.
Even though I don’t recommend this cleanser for very dry skin, I do find it to be very gentle and suitable for sensitive skin. As long as your skin is normal to oily, this cleanser should be ok.
The cleanser does have a light fragrance (naturally derived – smells like lychee), so if you’re sensitive to fragrance of any kind, I wouldn’t recommend this cleanser.
If you don’t like using washcloths in your cleansing routine, this cleanser isn’t for you.
UMA – Absolute Anti-Aging Eye Oil
What is it?
UMA Oils Absolute Anti-Aging Eye Oil is formulated to moisturize, de-puff, and soften the skin around the eyes.
Why it’s my favourite?
The Absolute Anti-Aging Eye Oil really works at preventing puffiness around the eyes. When I use this at night, I’m guaranteed no puffiness the next morning. I am prone to puffiness around the eyes, especially these days while I’m up all hours of the night breastfeeding my daughter. I also suffer from seasonal allergies that affects my eyes, and whenever I eat out at restaurants, I always wake up the next day with swollen eyes.
On top of the puffy eye issue, I’ve also got wrinkles and creppy skin around my eyes (I’ll be 42 next week, and let’s just say, it’s starting to show!).
When it comes to the eye area on my face, I need all the help I can get. I would say the under eye area on my face is currently my biggest skin challenge.
And, most eye products do very little for me. Some I find are too tight and drying that they emphasize lines and wrinkles, while others don’t absorb properly and sit on the surface of your skin.
UMA Absolute Anti-Aging Eye Oil not only helps prevent puffiness, but it also softens the wrinkles and lines around your eyes, making it great for every day use, plus as a based under makeup.
How long have I been using it?
I have the deluxe sample of the Absolute Anti-Aging Eye Oil that comes in UMA Absolute Anti-Aging Discovery Kit. I’ve been using it off and on for the last 8 months. As soon as I discovered how great it was for preventing puffy eyes and softening the skin around my eyes, I didn’t want to use it up too quickly, so I’ve been using it for the days I really need it. I’m almost done with this bottle and I’m getting ready to buy the full size (can’t wait!).
How do I use it?
I like using the Absolute Anti-Aging Eye Oil at night because I see the best results in the morning (I wake up to soft, rested, non-puffy eyes!). I use 2 drops and pat the oil with my ring finger around my eyes. I pat this oil under my eyes and also on my eye lid and below my eye brow bone.
When I wear makeup, I like using this eye oil underneath because it really plumps my skin and softens fine lines and wrinkles. During the day, I will just apply 1 drop of the oil under my eyes, wait a few minutes for it to absorb before applying makeup on top. As long as I set my makeup/concealer with the tiniest amount of powder, the makeup won’t move on top of the oil.
Who should use it?
Anyone that has lines, wrinkles, crepey skin, or puffiness under or around the eyes.
If you like using facial oils, you’ll love this oil.
Who this is not good for?
If you’re prone to milia under the eyes, I would avoid this oil.
The Absolute Anti-Aging Eye Oil has a strong (heavenly) scent from the infused oils and essential oils used in the formula. If you have a sensitivity to essential oils or scents, this eye oil won’t be good for you.
If you’re looking for an eye product to get rid of dark circles under the eyes, I don’t think this product (or any eye product) will do much. Eye products are great at moisturizing the under eye area, de-puffing the skin, and smoothing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. But, for dark circles under the eyes – that’s more of an issue with bone structure and fat pads under the eyes, or due to an environmental allergy, dehydration, insufficient sleep, or nutritional deficiencies. No skincare product can remedy dark circles.
Suntegrity – 5 in 1 Tinted Sunscreen SPF 30
What is it?
Suntegrity 5 in 1 Tinted Face Sunscreen SPF 30 is a mineral based, physical sunscreen for the face.
It contains 20% non-nano zinc oxide, and offers full broad spectrum UV protection (protects you from UVA and UVB rays).
Not only is it an effective face sunscreen, but it has been formulated to be used as a moisturizer and primer, plus it is tinted, so there’s no white caste.
Why it’s my favourite?
Suntegrity 5-in-1 Tinted Face Sunscreen SPF 30 really works.
It’s the most reliable natural sunscreen I have found.
As you know, I’m fair skinned, plus I have very sensitive to the sun. For years I’ve really struggled to find a natural mineral sunscreen that protects my skin from the sun but doesn’t irritate it. Many sun protection products I used in Canada don’t work as well in hot climates. In fact, it’s always a big eye opener when I’m in an environment with really strong sun, just how ineffective a lot of sunscreens are.
With that being said, I’ve never been burned or developed any pinkness from the sun while wearing Suntegrity 5-in-1 Tinted Face Sunscreen. Even in the hottest of places. Plus, there’s something in the product that makes my skin super soft, like baby soft. I noticed this after using the product daily for a few weeks. Over time it made my skin really soft, but if I stopped using the product for a few days, my skin would go back to it’s regular texture. So if I want baby soft skin, I’ve got to use it daily (I’m not sure what ingredient is causing the softness, could be the combination of zinc and some other ingredients – I would love to know!).
I also love that the formula is tinted, so there’s no white caste. I’m currently using the shade “light,” which I find to be is a touch too peachy for my skin. The next bottle I get, I will get the shade “fair” to see the difference. I don’t mind the “light” shade because it warms up my skin tone slightly (way better being a touch too peachy than the sickly grey-pink tone a lot of other tinted sunscreens come in). And even though it’s a little too peachy for me, if I wear makeup or foundation on top, it doesn’t adversely affect the tone. In all, the product isn’t heavily pigmented (it’s not full coverage makeup), so if the tone is slightly off, it’s not a big deal, but I do want to try the “fair” shade to see if it’s a better match.
I also want to mention that this sunscreen has never given me any breakouts or clogged pores. Most chemical sunscreens irritate my skin, give me breakouts and feel like I’m wearing plastic wrap on my skin. Not this one. I find zinc oxide to be very therapeutic for acne prone skin, and promotes healing of skin irritation and breakouts.
How long have I been using it?
I’ve been using it over the last 10 months while trying out other natural sunscreens, but for the last 4 months, I’ve been using it exclusively.
How do I use it?
I apply it on my face and neck before going outside. I normally use this in place of a moisturizer, and either wear it on its own, or under makeup. The formula is quite moisturizing, so if you have normal to oily skin, this is all you need. If you have really dry skin, you might want to wear a light moisturizer underneath.
Who should use it?
Everyone. It’s great for all skin types, non-comedogenic (the zinc in it can actually help sooth skin irritation or acne), and it comes in 4 shades.
Who this is not good for?
The formula is on the heavier side. It’s not “oily” heavy, but it has a little weight to the product (which is probably why it’s such an effective sun block). After the first few times wearing it, I got used to it, and now I don’t notice the weight at all. It’s never given me breakouts and it doesn’t suffocate my skin like chemical sunscreens do, but, if you don’t like skincare products that have a little weight, you won’t like this.
I hope one day Suntegrity comes out with more shades. It’s tinted, and the coverage is pretty sheer, but it would still be great if it comes in more shades to choose from (especially the deeper shades).
Shop:
CLICK TO SHOP: Suntegrity 5in1 Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen SPF30
Annmarie Skin Care – Minerals Multi-Purpose Foundation
What is it?
Annmarie Skin Care Minerals Multi-Purpose Foundation is a powdered mineral makeup that you add to your moisturizer, serum, or facial oil to make your own foundation, tinted moisturizer, or concealer.
Minerals Multi-Purpose Foundation is all natural, made out of just 4 ingredients, and you have complete control over the tone/shade, coverage, and what you are mixing it with to customize your makeup.
Because you are adding the Minerals pigments to your own skin care, it won’t give you breakouts, and shouldn’t adversely affect any active breakouts or acne. If you have to wear makeup while healing acne, this would be the best choice.
Why it’s my favourite?
This is my most favourite product of 2017. I haven’t stopped raving about it (you can check out my full review of Annmarie Minerals Multi Purpose Foundation.
I love this product because it makes my skin look GREAT (and I don’t look like I’m even wearing makeup).
And, it’s super easy to use.
I also love that I have full control over the shade and coverage of the makeup, and that I’m making my makeup out of the pigmented powders and my own skincare products. I invest a lot of money in my skincare and I hate the idea of using makeup products that contain low quality ingredients that can irritate my skin, clog pores, and cause breakouts. With this makeup, everything I’m putting on my skin is of the highest quality, no irritating ingredients, it evens out my skin tone, disguises blemishes and dark patches, and supports the health and glow of my skin.
How long have I been using it?
I’ve been using Minerals Multi-Purpose Foundation for about 1 year.
I first got the Minerals Sample Kit (which comes with vials of all 8 shades) so I could try it out and find the perfect colour match. One vial in the Sample Kit can last well over a month (using it every day), so I highly recommend getting the Sample Kit first, so you can try the makeup out, and find the perfect colour match.
I fell in love with the makeup pretty fast and got the full size bottles of the “sand” and “honey” shades. A little of the makeup goes a long way, so even after almost a full year of having the two full size bottles, I’m no where near finishing them.
How do I use it?
I mix the shade “sand” with a tiny pinch of the “honey” shade. The shade “sand” is a perfect match for my skin tone, but living in the tropics I need to warm it up a touch with the “honey” shade. If I were living back in Canada, especially during the cold winter months, I would only need to use the “sand” shade (and that’s why I love this makeup so much, you can mix the different shades to get a perfect colour match, this is especially good when the seasons/climate change).
I like making a tinted moisturizer mixing the Minerals Multi-Purpose Foundation with Tata Harper Clarifying Moisturizer. I have oily/mature/breakout prone skin, and this is my preferred daytime moisturizer because it’s not oily, it’s very hydrating, and it has a semi-matte finish.
If you are looking for sheer to light coverage, I recommend mixing the Minerals with a moisturizer. If you want a medium to full coverage foundation, best to mix the Minerals with a facial oil. Or, you can also experiment with mixing different amounts of the Minerals makeup with your skincare products to control the coverage (use less Minerals for sheer coverage, more Minerals for full coverage).
During daytime, I wear it over my sunscreen, and when I wear it in the evening, I wear it on it’s own. I find if I’m mixing it with Tata Harper Clarifying Moisturizer, the moisturizer already has a semi-matte finish, dries down pretty quickly, and I don’t need any powder on top. If I were to mix it with an oil or a richer moisturizer, I would most probably need to lightly dust a tiny amount of powder on my nose, forehead and chin to get rid of any major shine.
Who should use it?
If you are looking for a natural makeup product, and really want everything you’re putting on your skin to be safe and healthy – this product is for you.
I highly recommend this for people who don’t like heavy makeup, and want something that looks like your skin, but better.
Minerals Multi-Purpose Foundation is great for all skin types.
This is a great option for those with acne prone skin that need a makeup to disguise breakouts while their skin is healing (I normally don’t recommend wearing makeup when you have active acne, but if you need to wear a makeup, this would be a great option).
And don’t be intimidated about mixing and making this makeup. I’m in no way a makeup expert, and if I can use this makeup and make it look nice (I get compliments on my skin all the time), than anyone can! It’s really simple to use and blends into your skin seamlessly.
Who this is not good for?
If you’re looking for a full coverage, super long wearing foundation, I’m not sure Minerals Multi-Purpose Foundation will be as long wearing as mainstream conventional makeup. Because you’re mixing the Minerals pigments with your skincare products, it doesn’t contain the ingredients that are found in conventional foundation formulas to make the makeup long wearing. I find the makeup stays on my skin most of the day, but the coverage I use is on the lighter side. Setting the makeup with a powder will make it last longer, but I think if you want full coverage and long wearing makeup – you’ll need to do your own experiments with the product. I have a feeling that mixing the Minerals with an oil will make it more long wearing than mixing it with a moisturizer.
This product also might not be good if you don’t like the idea of mixing the mineral pigment powder with your moisturizer or facial oil. It only take me 30 seconds to mix it, but I know this step isn’t for everyone.
Tata Harper – Moisturizing Mask
What is it?
Tata Harper Moisturizing Mask is an overnight treatment mask for dry and dehydrated skin.
Why it’s my favourite?
While I was pregnant earlier this year, my skin went from being oily, to being terribly dry and super dehydrated. To make matters worse, my skin was so dehydrated, all the lines and wrinkles on my face became even more pronounced (I looked 10 years older overnight), and my skin became extremely sensitive and reactive. It was so bad, I could barely even let water touch my face. The only two things that made a huge difference was dry oil cleansing, and using Tata Harper Moisturizing Mask.
The first time I used Tata Harper Moisturizing Mask was after an airplane flight. Normally whenever I fly, my skin gets really dehydrated, lines and wrinkles deepen, and it takes about a week for my skin to recover.
When I used the Moisturizing Mask after the flight, the next morning the deep lines across my forehead were gone. My skin was so much smoother and plumped up, even the lines around my eyes looked a whole lot better. Since my 20s, I’ve always look haggard after a flight, even a 30 minute flight can put years on skin – but this product reverses all that!
I was an immediate convert!
During the last half of my pregnancy, I ended up using the Moisturizing Mask almost every single night. No oil or moisturizer could come close to the hydration this product brought to my skin.
How long have I been using it?
1 year.
How do I use it?
While I was pregnant and my skin was terribly dry and dehydrated. I used the Moisturizing Mask almost every single night instead of a moisturizer. I would apply it after cleansing my skin, or on top of a serum, and leave it on overnight.
Now that it’s been 8 months since I gave birth to my daughter, and my skin is no longer dry, and it’s back to being oily again, I don’t use it as frequently.
With my oily skin, I now only use the Moisturizing Mask only once every week or two as an anti-aging aid. I find even though my skin is oily again, because I’m in my 40s and breastfeeding my daughter, my skin feels dehydrated. Plus, I sleep with air conditioning which isn’t doing my skin any favours. I like using the Moisturizing Mask to boost my skin’s hydration, and for “maintenance.”
Who should use it?
The Moisturizing Mask is great for dry and dehydrated skin. This will bring life back into your skin!
If you fly on airplanes frequently or live/work in a very dry environment, I highly recommend this mask.
If you have maturing skin, this is a fantastic mask to add into your rotation:
- For mature skin that is normal to dry: use as an overnight mask a few nights a week.
- For mature skin that is oily: use once a week as an overnight mask, or if it’s too rich, just leave on for 1 hour and rinse off.
Who’s this is not good for?
I don’t recommend using this mask if you have active pimples or breakouts. It won’t clog pores or cause pimples or acne, but because it’s so rich, I find that it will slow down the healing of active pimples. If you have acne prone skin, best to only use the Moisturizing Mask when your skin is clear.
I also don’t recommend this mask for younger skin (you don’t need such a rich mask in your teens and 20s). The only exception would be if you’re working on airplanes, than this mask would definitely help restore lost moisture in your skin. Otherwise, this mask is best suited for maturing skin (skin over 35 to 40+ years of age).
This mask is best suited for normal to dry skin types. If you have maturing skin that is oily and dehydrated (like me!), and you want to try it, best to be cautious how you use it. This mask is very rich, so for oilier skin types, you might be better off leaving it on for just one hour instead of overnight.
VERDURA naturalternatives – Blue Fairy Concentrate
What is it?
VERDURA naturalternatives Blue Fairy Concentrate is a facial oil for acne and oily skin. The oil is a blend of grapeseed and moringa carrier oils with various essential oils to nourish and clarify the skin.
I actually find this facial oil to be too strong for all over the face, but as a spot treatment, this product is superb.
Why it’s my favourite?
I get clogged pores and small raised bumps on the sides of my nose and near my chin. They never turn into pimples, but at the same time they never seem to go away either. They’re hard tiny bumps that just sit on my skin.
I’ve tried all sorts of products over the years hoping something would help get rid of them. Nothing has ever really made a difference. Spot treatments either make my skin more irritated and red, or, they do nothing at all.
At the beginning of 2017, I was experimenting with a bunch of VERDURA naturalternatives products, and I was amazed to see the Blue Fairy Concentrate cleared up most of those congested areas on my face. I was REALLY surprised, I wasn’t expecting those results at all. Since then I’ve been raving about this product, and it’s my go-to spot treatment to clarify my skin.
How long have I been using it?
1 year.
How do I use it?
I use it as a spot treatment, never all over my face.
Whenever I have a pimple or any skin congestion, I dab a small amount on the affected area every evening until it clears up. I always use the Blue Fairy Concentrate as the last step of my skin care routine, and only at night (I don’t like to use concentrated essential oils on my skin during the day).
Once the pimple or congested area has cleared up, I take a break from the product.
Who should use it?
I recommend Blue Fairy Concentrate for treating pimples, acne, and areas of your face that have clogged pores and congestion. This product will clarify and balance your skin without drying it out or irritating it.
Who this is not good for?
If you have a sensitivity to essential oils or plant oils, I wouldn’t use this product.
This product is great for treating clogged pores and pimples, but not blackheads or enlarged pores.
These are my favourites, what’s yours?
So these are my favourite green beauty products of 2017. I’d love to hear what yours are? Please share (post in the comments below)!
Do also check out last year’s Green Beauty Favourites 2016. I’m planning to do a follow up video of 2016’s favourites, and how I am feeling about them now, over a year later. I have to say that most of those products from 2016’s favourites, I love even more now. So stay tuned for that follow up video to find out why!
And, if you want the full list of all my green beauty favourites (for skin, body, lifestyle), click here.
2 Responses
What a gorgeous stash of Favourites! I am day dreaming about AnnMarie foundation too, after falling in love using the samples!
I was so intrigued reading about Oskia cleanser, I was nearly ready to put it on my wishlist, until I read till the end and saw it isn’t great for dry skin. Post healing dermatitis, I have this stubborn hyperpigmentation on the sides of my face that I find impossible to get rid of, so your impressive results with it healing hyperpigmentation caught my eye straight away. Maybe I will check the brand to see if they have a product suitable for sensitive & dry skin too. And you know what, it is true that people say – you do learn something new every day! Up until today I had no idea Blue Fairy existed, so thanks for putting it on the map for me 🙂
And as for my own favourites, I too have a post on it on my blog, and then I thought about it some more, and blogged about my 2017 Best Discoveries too
Hi Renata,
You could try Oskia’s Perfect Cleanser which is a nourishing cleansing balm for dry skin that has the Vitamins A & C, which can help fade the hyperpigmentation. The only things it doesn’t have that the Renaissance Cleansing Gel has is the exfoliating enzymes, and I believe the combination of the vitamins A & C with the enzymes is what helps. In general, Vitamins A & C are always the best treatments for hyperpigmentation, so you can also look for a stable Vitamin C serum to see if that can help. Or, you can even try rosehip seed oil (for the vitamin A) if you haven’t already.
You could also contact Oskia to see if you can get a sample of the Renaissance Cleanser to try it out to see how your skin responds. I see on their website that they have a travel size Renaissance Cleansing Gel, which you could try as well. On their website they do recommend it for dry skin, but based on my own experience and the feedback from others, I don’t find it nourishing enough for dry skin types. I have used the Perfect Cleanser years ago, and that’s way better for dry skin.
One thing I will say about Oskia, I personally find their formulations to be extremely sophisticated for natural skin care. There’s not many natural skin care products I’ve found that compare to their formulations and the results their products deliver. Another one of their products I highly recommend (and is fantastic for all skin types, including dry skin), is their Renaissance Mask (it’s my absolute favourite mask).