Whether you are serious about protecting the Earth of not, scientific research is proving that the less chemicals we put in and on our bodies, the better, so check out a few of my favorite facial care products that do good for the planet and your skin!

STETSON CREATIVE TOP PICKS:

COLLECTIVE WELLBEING Calming Cream Cleanser
Free of hash sulfate detergents and formulated with calming rosemary, sage, and jojoba seed oil.  Especially good for people with rosacea!

$15 - Collective WellBeing www.collectivewellbeing.com

JOHN MASTERS Lavender Hydrating Mist
Infused with the therapeutic and rejuvenating properties of lavender, and works especially well over make-up to set powders!  Also USDA certified organic!

$16 - John Masters Organics www.johnmasters.com

REN Multi Mineral Detoxifying Face Mask
Helps encourage cellular renewal with seaweed extracts while drawing impurities out of pores with refining clay.

$34 - Sephora Stores www.sephora.com

PANGEA ORGANICS Italian Red Mandarin with Rose Lipcare
A lip balm free of petroleum and its by products, this product uses natural bio-oils to nourish the lips.

$12 - Sephora Stores www.sephora.com

KORRES Pomegranate Moisturizer
A lightweight, 24-hour formula infused with the antioxidant properties of pomegranate, avocado, macadamia, and vitamins b5 and e.  Great for Spring/Summer as humidity increases!

$32 -  Korres www.korresusa.com

CAUDALIE Premier Cru The Eye Cream
Grapevine reversatrol is the key ingredient in this eye cream that works to combat dark circles, puffiness, and wrinkles.  TIP: Keep in a cool place like the refrigerator for maximum effectiveness!

$96 - Sephora Stores www.sephora.com

Whether you are just shaving your face or your entire body, chances are at one time or another, you have experienced the nasty affects of an ingrown hair.  Unattractive, and often painful, ingrown hairs are tricky to get rid of....but there are steps you can take to prevent them in the first place!

Ingrown hairs are caused by skin cells forming over the follicle after the hair has been shaved, causing the hair to grow back under the skin, trapping the hair and other bacteria under the surface of the skin, resulting in painful red bumps.  The only cure for an ingrown hair is to fish it out with a surgical blade or sharp pin.

You can reduce the occurrence of these pesky blemishes by taking a few steps during your shaving routine.

STEP 1:  EXFOLIATE before you shave with a coarse scrub (sugar or salt) or a loofah.  This sloughs away dead skin cells allowing for a smoother, more comfortable shave.

LEAF & RUSHER Rapid Resurface

$50 - Leaf & Rusher www.leafandrusher.com

STEP 2:  PREP with a shaving cream that uses calming ingredients such as aloe, chamomile, and licorice extracts.

KORRES Absinthe Shave Cream

$22 - Korres www.korres.com

STEP 3:  SHAVE using a high quality, sharp razor.  If you have especially coarse hair, or tend to get a lot of ingrown hairs, shave with the grain.  The resulting shave won't be silky smooth, but it will leave the edge of the hairs above the surface of the skin, preventing skin growth over the follicle.

STEP 4: TONE using an anti-bacterial toner including witch hazel and salicylic acid.  Apply to area with a cotton ball or cotton pad and allow to air dry.

MENSCIENCE Post-Shave Repair
This one is especially great because it sprays directly on the area.  No cotton required!

$28 - Menscience www.menscience.com

STEP 5: TREAT the area with a soothing aftershave balm, which will calm irritation and act as an anti-inflammatory for the follicles that have just been opened up.

WHISH BODY Flawless Ingrown Hair Serum

$22.50 Whish Body www.whishbody.com

You are going to want to repeat steps 4 and 5 twice a day for the next 3 days or so, to ensure that you are preventing skin growth over the hair follicles.  If you shave every day, then you are going to want to do steps 2-5 daily, and reserve exfoliating to 1-2 times per week.

Yes, many of these organic and/or all natural brands have harnessed the men's skincare trend.

Last week, I discussed the amazing shaving products from AVEDA's award-winning Pure-Formance Line, and today, I give you the Pure-Formance Shampoo and Conditioner, which is "Cradle to Cradle" gold certified and boasts spearmint, vevitier, and lavender for a truly relaxing spa like experience.  I found that this collection solved both of my hair problems (dry scalp and oily hair) in one step!

$18 Each - AVEDA www.aveda.com

I just recently discovered MAN JUNK, an excellent organic body wash designed for men by men.  Featuring aloe vera, jojoba oil, and several other antiseptic and antibacterial plant extracts, it is everything you need, and nothing you don't.  No Muss, No Fuss, Just Clean!

$20 - ManJunk  www.manjunk.com

As for shaving, there are many many options out there, and the choice is up to you, but I was intrigued by the system from KORRES utilizing absinthe extract.  Yes, the same absinthe that causes visions of the green fairy, when reduced, actually has a lower pH than traditional shave creams to leave skin softer, and also has essential oils with anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.  This, paired with the antiseptic Marigold and Ginseng Aftershave make for quite the shaving experience.

$22 - Korres www.korresusa.com

$19 - Korres www.korresusa.com

From mineral makeup to cruelty free brushes, you can keep an eye on the environment all while keeping all eyes on you!

START with ECOTOOLS Bamboo Brushes, which are made from sustainable bamboo and 100% synthetic hair, which are cruelty free. Even the metal on these brushes is recycled aluminum!

$8 - $22 Drustores Nationwide

NEXT, put on a great foundation with KORRES Tinted Moisturizer with watermelon.  This medium cover foundation contains a boost of antioxidant power with SPF 30 to protect your skin.  Research is also showing that watermelon extract promotes cellular regeneration, which has amazing anti-aging benefits.  Oil and Silicone free, this tinted moisturizer give your skin a light healthy glow! TIP: Use your fingers for the smoothest finish, and skip the foundation brush or sponge!

$28 - Sephora Stores www.sephora.com

THEN, nourish your lips with REVOLUTION ORGANICS Lip Balm before you add color.   This nourishing balm is one of the best I've used and is petroleum free.  With palm oil, beeswax, shea butter, and olive oil, this antioxidant rich lip moisturizer will provide the perfect base for your kissable lips! Take it with you for an extra boost of moisture all day long!

$24 - Revolution Organics www.revolutionorganics.com

ADD SOME COLOR!  It's summer, so keep it light....I love DR. HAUSHKA's Duo Bronzer and Warm Breeze make up palette are perfect for you late summer-fall color, giving you a light, natural warm look.  Featuring black tea and sage extracts, this makeup will actually work to clear and nourish your skin, leaving it healthier and more vibrant.  The palette includes almost everything you need: 3 eyeshadows, 2 lip colors, 1 eyeliner, and a dual brush!

$40 - $50 Each Dr. Hauschka www.drhauschka.com

LASTLY, finish off your look with some mascara! TARTE makes an excellent all natural mascara (even the tube is post-consumer recycled aluminum!).  With mineral pigments and carnauba wax (a plam leaf derivative), you can enhance your eyes and the earth!

$19 - Sephora Stores www.sephora.com