Buy!
While I've documented my general dissatisfaction with Aveeno elsewhere, and I generally try to use non-chemical sunscreens, this SPF 15 lotion is the best option I've found to wear on a daily basis for my walks to and from work. I'm only outside for half an hour total, so SPF 15 is sufficient for my commute. Moreover, I'd (almost) rather go sunscreen-free than sit around the office all day sticky from a non-chemical sunscreen. However, I read something recently that a lot of women are getting diagnosed with skin cancer on their shins, precisely because they don't use any sunscreen during brief -- but repeated -- sun exposure.
The sunscreen has an environmental working group score of 4, which isn't bad for a chemical sunscreen. Moreover, the sunscreen has good UVA/UVB balance (though only moderate protection from both) and excellent sunscreen stability.
The sunscreen/moisturizer is available for purchase at drugstore.com.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Friday, May 27, 2011
Avène - Thermal Water / Eau Thermale
Don't buy!
After viewing this product suspiciously for years, I was in the airport returning from a French vacation involving copious amounts of sun and sunscreen -- leaving my face dry and irritated. Wanting to arrive back looking fresh and dewy (nearly impossible after a long flight) I grabbed a bottle of this at the airport and misted myself once an hour until I landed. Though I didn't notice a single change in my skin upon my return, that didn't necessarily mean anything. However, I've since kept the bottle on my desk at work and used it once or so a day and, similarly, no change. While it's undeniably refreshing to spritz yourself on a hot day or while at work, a spray bottle with plain water (and perhaps a few drops of olive oil for moisture) would work just as well.
Unsurprisingly, the product has a perfect environmental working group score of 0, since it's essentially water.
Read more about Eau Thermale here.
After viewing this product suspiciously for years, I was in the airport returning from a French vacation involving copious amounts of sun and sunscreen -- leaving my face dry and irritated. Wanting to arrive back looking fresh and dewy (nearly impossible after a long flight) I grabbed a bottle of this at the airport and misted myself once an hour until I landed. Though I didn't notice a single change in my skin upon my return, that didn't necessarily mean anything. However, I've since kept the bottle on my desk at work and used it once or so a day and, similarly, no change. While it's undeniably refreshing to spritz yourself on a hot day or while at work, a spray bottle with plain water (and perhaps a few drops of olive oil for moisture) would work just as well.
Unsurprisingly, the product has a perfect environmental working group score of 0, since it's essentially water.
Read more about Eau Thermale here.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Aveeno - Positively Radiant Cleanser
Don't buy!
I have issues with Aveeno. I feel like they market themselves as a green, organic brand (in fact, I know a former Aveeno employee whose job was to brand them as green and organic) while, in reality, they're owned by Johnson & Johnson and a lot of their products are packed full of chemicals I'd rather avoid. Also, they test on animals.
I purchased this before I began my quest to green my beauty routine, to use as a mild cleanser for the winter. It did its job, but no better than -- say -- Cetaphil (a greener option) would. To Aveeno's benefit, my skin didn't dry out, I suffered no bad breakouts, and it did a great job of removing makeup.
The cleanser has an environmental working group score of 5, which isn't that impressive for a company that markets itself to conscious consumers.
Read more about the cleanser on Aveeno's website.
I have issues with Aveeno. I feel like they market themselves as a green, organic brand (in fact, I know a former Aveeno employee whose job was to brand them as green and organic) while, in reality, they're owned by Johnson & Johnson and a lot of their products are packed full of chemicals I'd rather avoid. Also, they test on animals.
I purchased this before I began my quest to green my beauty routine, to use as a mild cleanser for the winter. It did its job, but no better than -- say -- Cetaphil (a greener option) would. To Aveeno's benefit, my skin didn't dry out, I suffered no bad breakouts, and it did a great job of removing makeup.
The cleanser has an environmental working group score of 5, which isn't that impressive for a company that markets itself to conscious consumers.
Read more about the cleanser on Aveeno's website.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Aubrey Organics - Blue Camomile Hydrating Conditioner
Buy!
My usual complaint with organic or "green" conditioners is that they're not hydrating enough. While this doesn't match the faux silkiness achieved by chemical laden shampoos such as Pantene (which I find a little creepy anyway), it's one of the most moisturizing natural conditions that I've found yet. Also, this conditioner is great for bringing out highlights in my blond hair because of the camomile.
Even better, the conditioner has an environmental working group score of 2, which is pretty amazing.
Read more about the conditioner on the Aubrey Organic's website.
My usual complaint with organic or "green" conditioners is that they're not hydrating enough. While this doesn't match the faux silkiness achieved by chemical laden shampoos such as Pantene (which I find a little creepy anyway), it's one of the most moisturizing natural conditions that I've found yet. Also, this conditioner is great for bringing out highlights in my blond hair because of the camomile.
Even better, the conditioner has an environmental working group score of 2, which is pretty amazing.
Read more about the conditioner on the Aubrey Organic's website.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Badger - SPF 30+ Lightly Scented Lavender Sunscreen
Don't buy!
Do not purchase this, I actually just gave away my half-used bottle to a random lady that asked to borrow my sunscreen because I couldn't bear the thought of using it anymore. It's incredibly thick and sticky, and I always felt gross while wearing it. Perhaps that's the advertised cocoa butter and shea butter? I don't think such heavy moisturizer is typically necessary when running around on a hot sunny summer day.
Read more about it on badger's website.
Do not purchase this, I actually just gave away my half-used bottle to a random lady that asked to borrow my sunscreen because I couldn't bear the thought of using it anymore. It's incredibly thick and sticky, and I always felt gross while wearing it. Perhaps that's the advertised cocoa butter and shea butter? I don't think such heavy moisturizer is typically necessary when running around on a hot sunny summer day.
Read more about it on badger's website.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Burt's Bees - Baby Bee Shampoo and Wash
Don't buy!
While this sulfate-free shampoo actually lathers, something that I realize is unnecessary to clean hair but I'm not yet quite willing to give up, I probably wouldn't purchase it again. To be clear, I was using this to clean my own (adult) hair, not an infant's, so I'm sure it works quite well for its intended purpose. I did really like the scent, and it worked well enough as a daily shampoo supplemented once or twice a week by something more deep-cleaning. However, this shampoo tended to leave my hair limp and lifeless.
The shampoo has an Environmental Working Group score of 4, which is pretty good but not amazing.
Read more about the shampoo and wash on the Burt's Bees website.
While this sulfate-free shampoo actually lathers, something that I realize is unnecessary to clean hair but I'm not yet quite willing to give up, I probably wouldn't purchase it again. To be clear, I was using this to clean my own (adult) hair, not an infant's, so I'm sure it works quite well for its intended purpose. I did really like the scent, and it worked well enough as a daily shampoo supplemented once or twice a week by something more deep-cleaning. However, this shampoo tended to leave my hair limp and lifeless.
The shampoo has an Environmental Working Group score of 4, which is pretty good but not amazing.
Read more about the shampoo and wash on the Burt's Bees website.
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