It’s something my clients and readers ask about all the time: how can we treat our anxiety totally naturally?
Trust me, I feel you.
At 16, I was diagnosed with anxiety (one of the most common mental illnesses in the U.S., according to the National Institute of Mental Health) and put on meds.
But the medications made me feel horrible and powerless instead of in control. I was on a concoction of Valium and Xanax and I literally did not care about anything,
Don’t miss my latest feature at Teen Vogue, explaining why I decided to stop my medication cold turkey and replace them with natural remedies.
You will learn quick and easy herbal remedies, breathing exercises, and mind-strengthening techniques that can help you! A big thank you to Teen Vogue for sharing more natural ways to heal ourselves!
And hi new followers from Teen Vogue! Happy to have you 🙂
Ohhhh, highlighter. How I love you. Ever since I discovered highlighter, I’ve been obsessed. When highlighter is applied correctly it can brighten up your complexion, play up features you love or can even camouflage less desirable parts of the skin.
Highlighters can help minimize dark circles, decrease the look of wrinkles, and can give a natural, youthful glow. Highlighters are made to emphasize the areas the sun naturally finds your face. It’s usually the last step of my makeup routine!
There are five main areas to apply highlighter:
Cheekbones for a youthful dew.
Forehead for a sun-kissed look.
Underneath the Eye Brow for a glamorous 90’s throwback.
Inner Eyes to erase tired eyes, dab a bit of highlighter in the inner corners of your eyes.
Cupid’s bow to give your lips a full, pouty appearance.
I’ve compiled an ultimate guide to the healthiest highlighters!
Gia MineralsSuvar [Use code ORGANICLIFE (or BEAUTIFULEARTH until 4/25) for $$ off] My very personal favorite is from my own collection with Gia Minerals! I’m obsessed with Suvar! This versatile compact can be used as a subtle highlighter or a glamorous eyeshadow. It’s a shimmery, pearlescent white color that’s perfect on the cheeks, to highlight lips, across eyelids or in the corner of the eyes. A little goes such a long way – I’ve barely dug into this palette and I’ve had it for quite a few months now! So fun to play with – and I always get compliments on how dewey and finished my makeup looks!
Kjaer Weiscreated a cream formula to add a summery “just kissed by the sun” finish to every skin tone. This highlighter can be used to enhance and accentuate, with a warm pearl color that lends itself to use as a cream eye shadow, either by itself or on top of a darker eye shadow for a subtle, iridescent finish. (Use code EARTH10 for 10% off)
W3ll PeopleBio Brightening Stick is one of my favorite makeup products ever created! This powerful skin brightener has been designed to optically diffuse skin imperfections while capturing light to create a flawless, even glow. It’s the perfect trick for sleepless workaholics to look rested and radiant! The creamy all-natural formula has a satin smooth, weightless finish and uses premium organic botanicals including aloe and grape seed oil to nourish and soothe skin. (Use code EARTH10 for 10% off)
Alima Pure Highlighter is a great pick-me-up for the cheeks, forehead, eyes and shoulders. Incandescent and brightening, they will perk up your complexion, accentuate the features you love and add an overall youthful, healthy glow.
RMS Beauty Living Luminizer is an ultra sheer, glowing, luminizer with a translucent, satin-pearl finish. Lasts all day long. This formula is the ultimate illuminator for highlighting the skin with a sensuous, sheer, luminous glow.
RMS Beauty Eyepolish in Lunar is a pretty perfect champagne pearl shimmer that can double as a highlighter/lipstick for more of a frosted evening look. Apply some to the corner of eyelids for an instant model-down-the-runway effect. Spring looks, here you come!
Vapour Trick Stick Highlighteris amazing for a lit–from–within glow. With a few quick strokes, your skin takes on a lustrous youthful glow that brightens. This stick instantly defines the face.
La Bella Figura Beauty – Brazilian Denise Golden Corrective Highlighter is a personal favorite since I worked on the campaign with them! I’ve loved this highlighter since the founder of the company, Victoria, first opened her in front of me in NOLA before our photoshoot and I saw her sparkle! A warm sun-kissed glow can be yours with this skin loving and nurturing golden highlighter. It also contains Kakadu Plum Extract which is packed with Vitamin-C and is a potent free radical scavenger.
Happy to be able to share my favorite ways to light your face up!
After exhausting my Winter makeup, I’m always more than ready for a change. A brighter, bolder, more beautiful and vibrant change was calling my name. It’s the kind of change that only Spring can bring.
When it comes to Spring makeup, it’s all about dewy skin, bright eyes and bold lips. Or, if you’re feeling more demure – soft, pink, glossy lips and doe-like features. While I love the drama Winter makeup brings, I am all for the minimal, less-is-more look that Spring inspires.
If you haven’t found your signature Spring look, I broke down the perfect natural makeup for you – so you’re totally covered this year!
The reign of no-makeup makeup is officially over: It’s the season for bright lips, electric eyes and fun fun fun! Don’t compromise your skin or health just to wear makeup! All of these choices are paraben free, non toxic, organic and natural!
This week I shared my 4 green tips on how to treat cystic acne with Essence Magazine! Definitely check it out! I get a lot of comments from men and women alike trying to clean and clear up their skin, so I thought I’d dive into more details here on my own blog.
By the time I took green beauty seriously, I was at my wit’s end with my skin. I faced large, red bumps that were impossible to hide or cover up all over my face. Psoriasis plagued me on my legs and arms. Dry skin stung. Painful cystic acne popped up not just on my face – but all over my body. I was desperate to solve my skin issues, especially for one large reason: I had already tried everything.
I’d tried everything from Minocycline to Accutane, to gels, creams, steroids, birth control, expensive dermatologists, Proactiv, facials – you name it! They had all left me depressed and dismayed. With skin that looked rough, bumpy, dehydrated and was showing early signs of aging and traces of some of the long nights I’d spent in college, a few years ago I walked into my agency in LA and was blatantly told by my agent that I had to clean up my skin – or consider another career.
I was hurting – big time. And about to learn that I was facing more than just troubled skin. I was facing a beauty industry that was built on a few major falsehoods about the proper ways of treating and taking care of ourselves. Just a few days of research and a steel resolve to find out where all the mess I faced was coming from, and my skin and I were forever changed. Today, I wake up to glowing, freckled, dewey, beautiful, clear skin! I could not be happier with my complexion and the confidence I’ve gained with clear skin has allowed me to do things I used to only dream of!
Here is how I got rid of my cystic acne and solved my skin problems for good:
Hard water had done a number on my skin, but it took me months to identify this as one of the main culprits! You’ll know you have hard water in your shower if you experience any of these symptoms after showering: dry skin, itchiness, flakiness, a filminess or dry hair and scalp. Hard water is high in alkaline (pH), and also contains high levels of minerals like magnesium, calcium and iron. This clogs and irritates your skin. The remedy is switching to a water filter for your showerhead. You can grab this one from Culligan for under $30! Soft water helps your body clear toxins, fight infections and oh yeah – it won’t take 10 minutes to wash product out of your hair! Check if you have hard water in your area at: www.theorganiclifeblog.com/hardwater
Want to know the world’s most consumed psychoactive drug? It’s probably not what you think… It’s caffeine. The beverage most of us rely on every day to wake up – coffee – may be doing a number on our skin! Caffeine (when ingested) can cause disruption to your guts, which is where the start of your clear skin truly begins. Caffeine also messes with your hormones, namely your stress hormone, which is a huge disruption to your oil production. On top of that, it’s a diuretic, adding a super dehydrating affect that I think we can all agree we’d like to skip. But don’t worry – You can literally drink your way to amazing skin! Try replacing coffee with teas specifically designed to help you wean off. Teechino is one. Or just make your own drink at home with some fresh herbs like mint, cacao or lavender flowers and warm milk, cinnamon, honey and turmeric.
Make sure you’re choosing teas that are full of healing herbs like lavender, chamomile, mint, basil or berries. These all contain flavonoids that are incredible for skin health. You truly want your glow to come from the inside – out!
The reason that most conventional treatments for acne and skin issues don’t work is that they fail to treat the real issue: your insides. Steroids, anti-biotics and even heavy duty prescription medications skip over the one thing that truly does need to change and for your new, clear skin to stick: Your body needs to be in balance.
Who knew that the true key to combating my skin issues – especially my cystic acne – for good was getting passed by every time I went to the pharmacy for a new skin Rx? The last thing I was missing was herbs and supplements, which have truly been the big game changer for me. If I take my supplements, I barely have to worry about a small blemish around that time of the month. If I miss my supplements, I DO see the same symptoms that I used to have. Bumps pop up. Pores get clogged. Cysts form. Not pretty.
One of my favorite and most useful herbs for combating my skin issues has been the supplement DIM, which acts as an estrogen regulator. It balances the estrogens in your body, straightening out your hormones and allowing your skin to stop freaking out. Some of my other favorites are vitamin D, vitex, fish oils and evening primrose oil.
Cheap, pharmacy products were all I ever bought before I switched to green beauty. And I’m glad, because the expensive stuff doesn’t work much better – unless it’s made naturally! Conventional skincare is full of toxins and nasties that your skin hates – like harsh SLS, parabens, dyes, parfum and fragrances. If you’ve tried everything but are still seeing skin issues, switch to a brand that only uses organic, natural oils and herbs in their products. If you see anything you can’t pronounce or wouldn’t eat – don’t buy it and don’t put it on your body! Our skin absorbs at least 75% of what we put on it! Also, skip alcohol based toning for a few dabs of apple cider vinegar on a cotton pad in the morning and drink plenty of water throughout the day! You can find my absolute favorite green beauty products here.
For more tips on how to live your healthiest life, check out my book, Cured by Nature, available where books are sold.
Mascara was one of the first products I “gave up” when switching over to green beauty. Why? Well, cause it goes ON YOUR EYES. And once I realized what I had been putting on (MY EYES!) for years, I was determined to do better for myself, even if that meant having naked lashes for awhile.
Luckily, organic beauty has come a long way since then. The days of wishing and praying for beauty products that are natural AND work are almost over. We’ve made leaps and bounds in the last few years, and mascara is no exception.
Here are my current favorite natural mascaras:
RMS Beauty: I pretty much require big, bold lashes if I’m going to bother putting on mascara at all, so I love this formula a bit more than I love the brush it comes with. I’ve tried the formula with thicker brushes and I love the effect. However, for the kind of girl who just needs a little touch up every now and again, this formula from RMS Beauty is perfect. Works great and doesn’t have a running problem like a lot of natural brands.
W3ll People: perfect for both tightening, shaping and building lashes, the high tech brush design precisely separates the thinnest, shortest, hard-to-reach lashes by expertly scooping up and lengthening each one. While it takes a few coats to get it on perfectly, each stroke delivers just the right amount of product.
Ilia: I love this formula for long, doe-like lashes. Ilia’s mascara is a bit watery but if you can be patient and let it dry for a minute after you apply it, you’ll walk away super satisfied. Reminds me a bit of the old mascara’s a used to love. Clump-free!
Antonym Cosmetics: are for both a daytime look or a nice night out. It lengthens, volumizes and separates lashes perfectly. You can go crazy for a bold effect or keep it cute and natural during the day.
Alima Pure: was the first natural mascara I switched to, and it’s still a cult favorite of mine (and my purse, beauty cabinet and random clutches where I always keep an extra!) It’s just the right amount of consistency for beautiful, natural looking lashes on the daily. Date night – here I come! Apply over any pair of fake lashes for the perfect blending effect. Are you Scarlet O’Hara or just happy to see me?
Lily Lolo: is my absolute favorite for long, luxe lashes! This formula/brush combo is impeccable. I barely wear any false lashes since this can get my lashes to look borderline faux! I have no idea what I would do without my Lily Lolo mascara! My only teeny tiny complaint is that by the end of the night, it does tend to get some clumps inside your eyeball if you apply it with a heavy hand. For beautiful lashes, that’s a mild annoyance for me, and one that I used to get with conventional mascara all.the.time. At least with this, you don’t have to worry about those clumps being toxic! This is my go-to mascara if I ever have an event, interview or live show! You just can’t beat it!
For more recommendations on my favorite beauty products, grab a copy ofCured by Nature!
The month where you get to sit back and ask yourself honestly, “Am I still kickin’ that resolution’s butt, or what?”
Maybe some of you have fallen off the wagon. You’re not alone.
I cut my workout routine in half the last few weeks due to my busy schedule and man, do I have to work double time now! Totally paying for it. I realized that I needed the one thing that helps me get over anything: motivation. So I thought I’d share the things that kept me motivated the last week, in hopes that they can help you through your workout slump too!
(Check out this week’s video for my favorite fitness routines!)
Find a routine
I know a lot of people who aspire to be fit, but they don’t know where to start! This is what inspired me to create my fitness plans, which are beginning level to moderate level exercises that are specifically designed to be done at home and by anyone, regardless of fitness level.
But I get it: that’s not for everyone. It might not be for you.
Maybe you WANT to go to the gym every day. Or you need a partner in crime every day. Or a trainer. Or you prefer to use heavy equipment.
Whatever gets you to do it, find a routine! Then stick to this routine – every single day. Even on hard days. Even on days where you wanna give up or are in pain. Even if you can’t imagine that it could possibly be working – do it. It’s your routine, and it’s there to work for you.
Invest
Speaking of the gym, a trainer, or finding a routine, investing in your fitness will definitely help you in feeling like you have a big reason to get up in the morning and do the work: you paid for it. Whether it’s purchasing some Jillian Michaels DVDs or finding a good yoga routine on youtube, investing even just your time into learning strategies for your fitness is a great motivator!
Take Time For Yourself
Feeling better is about you – and only you. Take time to access what your real fitness goals are. Write them down. Are you really trying to lose 10 lbs, or do you have a larger goal, like running a marathon? This time taken to access not only where you’re at, but where you’re going, is like having your best friend there rooting for you. Your best friend is just you this time 🙂
Imagine
If you’re bored with the same old routine, start to use your imagination. Check out active.com for sporty events near you, and imagine yourself finishing them! How good will that shower or warm bath feel after you’ve worked your butt off? Pretty dang good, I’d say! Imagine your new body, your new goals, your new life with the fitness level of your dreams! Some of the best motivation, I think.
Incentivize
Way #2 to use your imagination in this way is to incentivize yourself to finish. I always look forward to a warm bath or shower after my morning routine, or perhaps I allow myself a big ol’ dairy free ice cream cone as a reward. I constantly think about these things when working out gets hard or boring. If you follow me on snapchat (@organiclifeblog hi friend!) you’re able to peep how bored I get sometimes during at-home yoga workouts. I had to fast forward through half of mine the other day! Haha. How’s that for shavasana?
Only you know what will push you to complete your goals. Reward yourself after with something you love for a job well done!
Hi, I'm Tara! A bestselling self-help author, singer and speaker. The Organic Life is a place where I share my healthy life hacks - so we can all become our best selves!
