Some of the best ingredients for under your eye area are actually lurking in your other products!
I’ve rounded up 6 products for you that saved my trip. These double as INCREDIBLE under eye creams and serums.
I now use all of these products under my eyes, depending on my needs! Sometimes I want brightness to fight dark circles. Some days I’m trying to prevent smile lines or wrinkles. These all do the trick!
The best part?
These products are all natural, organic and cruelty free!
Ready to rock? Want to look refreshed? How about one less thing to pack?
Perfect for tackling dark circles, bags and wrinkles under the delicate eye area, Cellular Recovery Serum is also gentle and SCENT FREE. A wonderful option for those with sensitive skin, sensitive to smells or those for whom essential oils are too harsh. This melatonin enriched anti-aging serum refines and resurfaces skin to reveal a smoother and more radiant complexion.
WHY: Main ingredient melatonin has been proven to clinically reduce and reverse the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Hyaluronic Acid plumps skin.
This gorgeous balm greets your skin with cool serenity, melting on touch to a fluid potion that tenderly envelopes you in the most decadent azule calm. Mystical blue tansy eases feelings of emotional anxiety while releasing heat and providing nourishing hydration and relief.
WHY: Plant-based nutrients soften the appearance of fine lines.
The Nutrient Day Cream delivers a potent combination of distinct herbal actives and plant oils to repair, moisturize and protect skin. Unique herbal synergies release skin transforming anti-inflammatories, antioxidants, fatty acids and phytonutrients proven to firm, reduce redness and assist the skin in regeneration.
WHY: This formula brightens, whitens and tightens!
High concentrations of fresh and clinically proven anti-aging ingredients fight free radical damage to reverse signs of aging while you sleep. Maximizes skin’s natural night repair cycle by allowing you skin to breath.
WHY: High levels of Tocopherol (natural vitamin E) promotes healing. MSM stimulates collagen synthesis.
The natural anti-histamine and anti-inflammatory properties of Wild Oat work to repair damaged skin. Ultra calming Sea Aster actively inhibits the molecules that cause skin to flare and strengthens surface blood vessels helping to alleviate redness. Perfect for fighting dark circles!
WHY: Pai Instant Calm Serum has been expertly formulated to support skin prone to irritation and hyper sensitivity.
Acne sucks. I think this is one universal truth that will never change.
Trust me, I know.
I used to face horrendous, cystic acne all over my jawline, body and face every morning. This was painful, embarrassing and most of all, a nuisance. It was horrible for my self esteem and held me back from doing even the most basic things, like making new friends, going grocery shopping or booking jobs.
Honestly, a good skincare routine has changed everything!
Here are the 5 acne fighters that have totally transformed my skin:
Supplements have been a huge part of my win in my battle against acne, so they deserve to be mentioned first. Supplements have been the foundation of keeping my acne at bay.
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.
Most female acne is hormonal, and to treat hormonal acne you need to deal with the root cause – your estrogen levels!
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. DIM has now become widely known on the Internet as one of the better treatments of hormonal acne, and it has helped many of my friends, family and clients. DIM supplements are an excellent option for women with acne who have high estrogen and low testosterone. These women are typically estrogen dominant. One example is women on synthetic birth control. DIM supplements will work at reducing side effects of the birth control, and getting your libido back. I take 4 DIM pills a day and am totally acne-free!
I know this may seem counter-intuitive to what they tell you, but you do NOT want to use harsh products when tackling your acne. When you’re fighting acne, ALWAYS avoid products with salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and sulfates. Why? Well, you really don’t want extra, unnecessary inflammation if you want your skin to heal! These products are SUPER harsh, stripping the skin of natural pH it needs to stay balanced and often leaving skin red or raw – on TOP of not addressing the problem.
The next step in the foundation of my good skin is to find yourself a good, organic serum that addresses the cause of acne, so that you are not only healing your acne now, but you are preventing future acne. The Detox Repair Serum was formulated to do just that!
This vitamin enriched serum is an effective blemish-fighting acne treatment to minimize pimples, zits, and help prevent future breakouts. How? This serum is specifically formulated with the highest level of french green clay and activated charcoal. Effectively fights blemishes, reduces acne, and helps keep skin free of new breakouts. Healing, organic vitamins are designed to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores while zinc oxide, a natural mineral, provides oil control by absorbing excess sebum.
The result is clearer skin that lasts. Don’t just take my word for it! A recent reviewer said this:
“I have tried SO many different acne solutions and am BLOWN AWAY by this product. I wanted to get away from my harsh acne cream due to all of the chemicals that irritated my face. I tried a bunch of other products, but nothing worked. I finally came across this and will never turn back! No smell, no irritating essential oils, no dangerous ingredients and the serum actually works to prevent and heal breakouts! Highly recommend!” –June, 27
The best part about these serums is that they are essential oil free. Essential oils can irritate skin over time because our body’s become sensitive to the concentrated ingredients. The Detox Repair serum is also scent-free, so you don’t have to worry about if the smell will irritate your delicate palette or your skin.
Use as an oil cleanser as well as a morning and nighttime serum! Simply apply to face as instructed and remove makeup with a wet or dry washcloth. Can additionally be used as a body oil.
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 soft 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
I haven’t drank a drop of alcohol at all for a few months now (post on this coming soon!) and other than my health, I have surpsingly seen the most difference in my SKIN!
Cutting out caffeine and alcohol – especially hard alcohol – will truly help you win the war against your acne. If you’re not too inspired by plain old water, try adding some fresh lemon or berries and organic honey for flavor and drink at LEAST 8 cups of water and 4 cups of caffeine-free tea per day.
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. Teeccino, an herbal coffee alternative that tastes JUST like coffee (I swear!) is my favorite, but you can just make your own drink at home with some fresh herbs like mint, cacao or lavender flowers and warm milk, cinnamon, honey and turmeric.
Like a good serum, a good face mask fights the very CAUSE of acne, not just the surface skin disruptions. I invented one for just this purpose, and have used it for over 4 years every time I see a little bump creep in, usually around that time of the month. Forbes actually featured this mask this year – a true highlight. My organic face maskworks great to simultaneously exfoliate and moisturize your skin. Incorporate this mask into your skin routine 2-3 times a week for the best results. Your skin will be glowing, refreshed, and happy! Here’s the recipe:
It’s incredible what some great skincare and a tiny bit of lip color can do! This look is so minimal that I barely had to wear anything else at all – but so many of you asked me what I used to put this look together that I HAD to share it!
This vampy look is perfect for fall – it looks natural (like the photo above) or can be perfect for a date night (below) – all you need is an outfit change!
All makeup and skincare (used for prep and highlight) is organic, cruelty free and vegan.
Beauty editors and makeup mavens alike know that fall is when all the new beauty products come out to play. Here are some of my fall favorites for 2017…
nail polish:Fall is the perfect time for nudes and muted pinks. I’ve been rocking this pale pink coloron my nails since October and have received so many compliments on it! I’ve been a long-time fan of NCLA, who makes “5 Free” luxury nail lacquer, meaning they are not only 100% free of DBP, toulene, and formaldehyde, but also of camphor and animal testing.
shadow palette: Reminiscent of the sophisticated beiges and subdued lilacs of Degas’ ballerinas, the shades in this versatile Sweet Ballet palette can create both soft, everyday eyes or a show-stopping evening look. This palette can flatter almost any skin tone and eye color, and depending on the balance of the colors used. The sleek palette case includes a convenient application mirror and applicator brush and sponge, making on-the-go touch-ups fast and fumble-free.
face serum: Melatonin-riched, vitamin packed Cellular Recovery Serum is the absolute best and most enriched serum to use in the fall – for any type of skin! The ingredients in Genetix Cellular Recovery Serum enhance communication between your skin cells. Nutrient-dense organic rosehip, magnesium and CoQ10 can penetrate the tough outer layer of your sebum and once there, initiate your skin’s repair process, revealing a vibrant, smoother skin texture. With daily application this super serum moisturizes, improves clarity + contributes to a more beautiful, balanced and youthful complexion.
moisturizer: I absolutely have to recommend the Rare Indigo Soothing Balm from Mahalo for the fall season! This Hawaiian beauty balm is supercharged with clinically-tested rare extract of the indigo plant and potent anti-inflammatory, chamazulene-rich actives, making this skin-renewing balm an opulent skin treat. Bursting with collagen-fostering vitamin C ester and replenishing essential fatty-acids to lower oxidation damage in stressed tissue, allowing the skin to be hydrated, nourished and youthful.
toner:This Aloe toner by Odacite screams USE ME WHEN THE WEATHER CHANGES! You’ll love it! Watch this toner reduce puffiness and boost renewal of firming tissues. Sea Fennel from the pristine rocky North Atlantic coastal cliffs re-energizes the skin and shrinks pores. Fresh Aloe Vera Juice heals and hydrates. Organic Immortelle essential oil stimulates healthy cell growth and revitalizes damaged tissue.
mask:I don’t know what i love more about this face mask… the fact that it’s called The Mermaid Mask or the fact that it just plain WORKS. This powerhouse mask works deep within the layers of skin to eliminate impurities, leaving it luminous and supple. Great for all skin types, but especially oily and combination skin, the mask is rich in antioxidants and minerals that support the skin’s natural detoxing processes while also nourishing it.
body scrub: I love love LOVE a good body scrub, and fall is the perfect time to slough off that old skin for a better, smoother complexion on your face AND body! This simple yet effective Earth Tu Face Dead Sea Salt Scrub is a fall fave! Exfoliates, detoxifies and hydrates the body. Pure Sea Salt stimulates circulation of the lymphatic system, a key element to combat cellulite. Organic Safflower and Jojoba Oils absorb into the skin, leaving it smooth and hydrated. Bergamot, Lemon and Basil invigorate the immune system and uplift mood.
mommy & baby: Perfect for keeping both mommy and baby’s skin hydrated, Zoe’s Belly butter helps to relieve itching and is a rich conditioner for stretching skin during pregnancy. Shea butter, along with a power-packed blend of organic oils, extracts and essential oils work to prevent and reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
fragrance: If you want to make an entrance, the humid, velvety scent of live gardenias will do it. The perfume itself is – a green, fresh, luxurious gardenia scent. Earthy and floral. Your scent will haunt the room in the best possible way!
box: There are a lot of green beauty boxes out there and they’re not all created equal! The Detox Box is a monthly box that allows us to share with you our tried-and-true favorites and game-changing discoveries. Each month you’ll receive products that are universal and exceptional—you know, the “holy grails”. Products that have people complimenting your skin, and asking what you’re doing. They have strict ingredient standards, high expectations for performance, and a need to connect with the passion behind each brand. The products that make it are proven to be above and beyond. Cannot recommend this box enough! I can’t wait for my December box to show up! Here’s the one I enjoyed around this time last year:
I’ve managed to do an exhausting amount of travel for someone who, let’s be honest, loves her creature comforts. I hate stress so, maybe needless to say, I’ve gotten pretty good at packing.
In that time I’ve learned that there are some serious travel ESSENTIALS – especially for days where most of your time is spent in an airplane.
Here are the items we often forget to pack, and always regret not having in our suitcase. Have these with you — or else!
There is literally nothing worse than taking off, sitting comfortably in you seat, putting your headphones on and realizing that your state of the art, in-flight entertainment system just… doesn’t work. Like, at ALL. Bonus meltdown if your flight is at night and/or you don’t have a window seat.
That’s where books come in SO handy!
On my last few flights I devoured Own Your Glow, Claim Your Powerand even did edits for my next book that comes out next year! There’s honestly nothing like reading an empowering work when you’re 30,000+ feet in the air! Inspiration galore and the time goes by SO quickly. Plus, at the very least, it’s a great way to fall asleep 😉
…and a bunch of kickass playlists you won’t get sick of. But seriously – headphones are the difference between a pleasant flight and a flight where you are actually, seriously contemplating murdering a stranger’s young, screaming child.
Make sure that your choice of headphones covers both of your ears and they are noise cancelling. None of this iTunes headphones earbuds crap. I bring the headphones I use to record music with me. They’re my absolute favorite because they cancel out not just noise, but the whole world. One meditation track laterand I could be sitting next to that stranger’s young, screaming child and still drift peacefully off to sleep. Let someone else stare daggers in their parents exhausted direction. I’m gonna get some Zzzz’s. Wake me when the food cart comes.
I actually, truly, legitimately forgot how dehydrating travel was. Let’s see. There’s the fact that you are barely inspired to drink water because god forbid you have to get up to pee AGAIN. There’s the fact that the flight attendants hold water from you like they only have a certain amount and you’ll never see water again until you land (oh, wait…) There’s the issue where it seems like every minute your skin just gets drier and drier and DRIER until you finally catch your reflection in the bathroom mirror and notice that it looks like someone came with a syringe and sucked all of the water out of your entire body. You know what I’m talking about. We’ve all been there.
I carry an organic water bottlewith me everywhere, at all times, but it’s ESPECIALLY CRUCIAL to start this habit when you travel. Flying on an airplane, sitting in a bed of recycled air and germs, can lead to dehydration and illness. While traveling, drinking water is not only important for hydration but also for staying resistant to germs.
Carrying your own bottleensures that you can easily fill up on water when necessary just by tapping a flight attendant on the shoulder and asking politely, rather than sitting and waiting for them to “bring water around” (which may only happen once or twice on a 6 hour or more flight).
My skin? SO DRY I could barely talk on my last flight out east last year. So since then I’ve been taking a moisturizer with me at all times and luckily, now I have products that I truly trust to keep me company on my journeys!
Before you fly at all and to combat the germs we touched on earlier, apply Waxelene to your entire face and even use a Q-tip to apply some in your nose before getting on a plane to avoid catching a cold. Airplane air can be drying, and if the inside of your nose becomes cracked and dry, infection is much more likely. How does this help? Well, this organic formula creates a barrier that doesn’t allow germs to penetrate through the nose, but you are still able to breathe.
I loved using the Genetix Glow Brightening Serum on these last few trips because I truly think it made all the difference! It’s formulated with high potency, organic rosehip, melatonin and hyaluronic acid that immediately tackles dull, pore-clogging dead skin cells, revealing smoother, fresher, younger-looking skin. An absolute travel MUST, since your complexion can change rapidly while flying. I also love using the Cellular Recovery Serum under my eyes to get rid of that oh-so-tired look that’s inevitable while traveling.
What I love is that in just one use, fine lines appear visually plumped. Over time the appearance of stubborn hyperpigmentation and the visible signs of aging are reduced for a healthier-looking complexion. Perfect for all skin types and all ages, this treatment is enhanced with turmeric and chamomile for maximum brightening and instant radiance. Doubles as a highlighter over makeup, if you’re a makeup-while-traveling kind of gal (I, perhaps needless to say, am not.)
I used to think those people walking around the airport carrying head pillows were dorks. Turns out, they’re GENIUSES. AND I own at least 5 head pillows now. SO yeah. Shame on me.
I prefer the ones that feel like velvet, but honestly, they’re all game-changing. If you’re literally nodding as you attempt to nod off, a Head Pillow will ensure your head stays cradled securely in place. You can also use them basically any way you wish to make a comfy, squishy pillow for yourself. I love mine and it keeps me from being in SERIOUS neck or back pain if I fall asleep on my flight!
SOMETIMES you land and realize as you turn on the hotel room shower, that you forgot one of the most important things… a razor! And I get it. You had a lot on your mind and they’re normally hard to find amongst all the other bathroom looking toiletries.
NOT ANYMORE!
Now, your razor looks like a mermaid, so you’ll never forget if you packed it again! This Mermaid Razor seriously changed my hygiene game, as I’m a huge culprit of showering the morning I leave and forgetting to pack ALL my shower stuff. LITERALLY will NEVER forget if I packed my razor ever again! How the heck could you?!
Smelling good shouldn’t be your last thought when traveling, but it often is! Seriously, though – this is an important one. After all, YOU have to smell yourself all day long!
Well, they are called ESSENTIAL oils for a reason… idk what I’d do without them!
I dab some calming rose essential oil onto my wrists, neck and into my hair pre-flight to ease my nerves. Want something less subtle? I love my trusty Ded Cool no. 2roll on which is sexy and unisex, with notes of juniper and sandalwood, coupled with a light and fresh scent of Zoe Organics Aroma Oil.
Freshen up in a pinch with some travel size organic DEO with you! Traces of raw organic honey, lavender and eucalyptus inflect the subtly alluring scent of this long-lasting deodorant made with food-grade ingredients—organic coconut oil, beeswax, sodium bicarbonate, avocado butter, sunflower butter, castor oil, honey and healing essential oils—to work on even the most sensitive skin. Deodorant regularly shows up in my top 10 list of search keywords that brought people to my blog. Why wouldn’t it? Many use it and you definitely need it when you travel. There have been times that I’ve been on a hot stuffy plane where the person next to me needed a double dose of it! I mean, airlineshave LITERALLY kicked passengers off their flights for their body odor. Don’t be that guy!
Guys! Hi! Omg I’m so excited! Last week I shared with you my stellar news about Genetix (if you missed that post, check it out!) In the meantime, I’ve dashed around the country showing our products off to beauty mavens at Teen Vogue, Women’s Health, Rodales and more! I am so excited to share with you the journey of creating these three luxury face serums!
Each serum targets specific skincare needs like aging, mature skin, dull, uneven texture, redness and oily, acne-prone skin. Let’s break it down . . .
Why do I need another serum?
Really, you don’t need ANOTHER serum, but you do need one serum to make sure that you NEVER need another serum again! That’s where we come in!
Once you choose the Genetix serum that suits your skincare needs, we promise that you’ll have in your beauty cabinet the product to end all products! These potions contain everything your skin craves, like hyaluronic acid, a gentle base of organic grapeseed oil, retinol-enhanced rosehip oil and vitamins A, C, D & E, that let your skin thrive. You can use them before bed, in the morning and even as an oil cleanser! They’re a fan favorite to add a youthful glow over makeup.
Once you have your serum, you won’t need anything else!
What makes Genetix different?
We’re organic, scent free and essential oil free! Essential oils are wonderful in holistic skincare, but they can be irritating over time. Many people who use products with essential oils find skincare relief short term, but long-term their skin suffers irritation and often begins to breakout. Our essential oil free formulas give you all the benefits of organic, active vitamins, minerals, herbs and plants, without any of the concentrated essential oils that can irritate the skin.
Our products contain no scent. Fragrance can be irritating to skin and disrupting to the endocrine system. We also believe that there is nothing worse than investing in a product simply to find out that you don’t like the way it smells! Scent free ensures that you can use your product without any risk of irritation to your skin or biological system. Plus, you don’t have to smell like a pineapple smoothie after every use! 😉
Melatonin is an active ingredient? Why?
Our main ingredient MELATONIN is known as the “time keeping hormone” for its ability to stop and reverse the effects of aging. Melatonin is a powerful antioxidant, protecting your cellular DNA from free-radical damage and allowing your cells to communicate better. When applied topically, melatonin plays an important role in keeping your skin radiant, clear and balanced from the inside – out.
We don’t know of any other brand that uses melatonin in this way in their products and felt it our duty to bring this incredible ingredient to the forefront of skincare.
Are your products completely organic?
Every ingredient we use is 100% organic. We don’t use any fillers like water or gel. We don’t use any parabens or toxins. Our products contains no fragrance or parfums and no irritants. We are gluten free, vegan and cruelty-free. We hand-make our products in sunny San Diego, California.
What’s your company mission?
We live for change. We donate 5% of our profits towards humanitarian causes related to saving our planet and creating a more sustainable and empowered world.*
What are your three luxury serums for?
Here! Meet the gang:
Which skin type is it good for?
Normal
Oily/Acne-Prone/Combination
Sensitive
Dry
Mature
What it is:
A melatonin enriched anti-aging serum that refines and resurfaces skin to reveal a smoother and more radiant complexion.
Solutions for:
– Dullness and uneven texture
– Loss of firmness and elasticity
– Fine lines and wrinkles
The ingredients in Genetix Cellular Recovery Serum enhance communication between your skin cells. Nutrient-dense organic rosehip, magnesium and CoQ10 can penetrate the tough outer layer of your sebum and once there, initiate your skin’s repair process, revealing a vibrant, smoother skin texture. Main ingredient melatonin has been proven to clinically reduce and reverse the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. With daily application this super serum moisturizes, improves clarity + contributes to a more beautiful, balanced and youthful complexion. Wake up with beautiful skin every single day!
What it is:
A skin-smoothing, radiance-boosting retinol youth serum with organic vitamins A, D + C, melatonin and hyaluronic acid for post-facial results and all day hydration.
Solutions for:
– Dullness and uneven texture
– Dark spots
– Fine lines and wrinkles
If you want to know more… Genetix Glow Brightening Serum is formulated with high potency, organic rosehip, melatonin and hyaluronic acid that immediately tackles dull, pore-clogging dead skin cells, revealing smoother, fresher, younger-looking skin. Fine lines appear visually plumped, the appearance of stubborn hyperpigmentation and the visible signs of aging are reduced for a healthier-looking complexion. Perfect for all skin types and all ages, this treatment is enhanced with turmeric and chamomile for maximum brightening and instant radiance. Doubles as a highlighter over makeup.
An effective blemish-fighting acne treatment to minimize pimples, zits, and help prevent future breakouts.
Solutions for:
– Acne/blemishes
– Pores
– Dullness and uneven texture
– Dark spots/scars
Genetix Detox Repair Serum is specifically formulated with the highest level of french green clay and activated charcoal. Effectively fights blemishes, reduces acne, and helps keep skin free of new breakouts. Healing, organic vitamins are designed to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores while zinc oxide, a natural mineral, provides oil control by absorbing excess sebum. The result is clearer skin that lasts.
Wow guys! Thanks for letting me share that. I sure hope you love these face serums as much as I do! The line was created with everyone in mind, so that regardless of your skincare concerns, you’d easily be able to find a formula that would work for you. And I swear, once you have your serum picked out, you won’t need anything else!
Did you catch my chat with Teen Vogue on Facebook Live? Watch it here.
*We donate 5% of our profits towards humanitarian causes related to saving our planet and creating a more sustainable and empowered world.
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!
