CLEAN BEAUTY. THE SCOOP ON BEAUTYCOUNTER.

Clean beauty. What does that even mean? Clean beauty typically means that a product is created without toxic or harmful ingredients. Some even put cruelty-free or vegan products in this category as well. Either way, I think most of us can agree that we want to use products that won't harm us, don't test on animals (because seriously, they don't deserve that), and are good for the environment. Clean beauty includes skincare, haircare, body care, makeup, and more. Keep reading for a dive into WHY clean beauty is worth it and how it can help you.

Let's talk skincare. I started really paying attention to the ingredients in my skincare when I started esthetician school. That was also the time when I decided I was never going to buy any product if it wasn't cruelty-free. Why only buy cruelty-free you may ask? My simple reason: we are living in 2022 and there's honestly no reason to test on animals if we can create high-quality products without doing so. As to paying attention to ingredients and only using clean skincare products - my skin has changed dramatically. It's the subtle differences you'll notice when you switch to clean skincare like there's suddenly no irritation no matter what product you choose, the products work faster and better than you expected, you see results in a matter of days, etc. I mean seriously, I could go on. Another perk of clean skincare is that you'll likely have more active ingredients or a higher concentration of them. Active ingredients are biologically active ingredients that are used in skincare or cosmetics to help treat a specific problem. For example, if your skin is looking dull, then you'll likely be looking for a skincare product with a brightening ingredient in it, such as vitamin C.

ONE OF THE BEST CLEAN SKINCARE BRANDS.

Obviously, based on the title of this blog, I am going to give you all the details on Beautycounter (my most recent favorite clean beauty brand). In fact, I love their mission and products so much that I partnered with them.

You might have seen these aesthetically pleasing products at Sephora or Target before. Their packaging has a way of catching the eye, but that's not the only good thing about their packaging. In general, the beauty industry isn't the best at sustainable packaging... and Beautycounter recognizes that. Not only do they recognize it, but they strive to be better. "By 2025, 100% of our packaging will be recycled, recyclable, refillable, reused, or compostable." (https://www.beautycounter.com/packaging). You will notice that many of their packagings are glass rather than plastic since some plastics have been known to leak BPA or phthalates into the product.

Let's do a quick breakdown of the other environmental and overall benefits Beautycounter has to offer:

• Currently launching refills for products to reduce water use, fossil fuels, greenhouse gas emissions, and to avoid landfills

• Less packaging and recyclable packaging

• Source packaging materials locally/closer to home

• Responsible sourcing (also paying special attention to high-risk ingredients such as vanilla, mica, and palm oil)

• Transparency on everything, but especially how they source their ingredients

• Maintain zero net emissions at HQ and retail locations

• Increase water waste diversion to a minimum of 85%

• Support communities through responsible sourcing

• Works towards carbon neutrality

• Has a project that helps gain access to clean drinking water in India

• Work with federal and state executives to help advocate for safer beauty standards (look to see how many ingredients the U.S. has banned vs Europe... you'll be shocked)

• Has a "Never List" which consists of over 1,800 questionable or harmful ingredients that they will NEVER use in their products. Click here to read the full list

Now those are only SOME of the many benefits of purchasing Beautycounter. For even more information on their mission and story, check it out here. As you can already see, there are many reasons to love and purchase Beautycounter. As an esthetician and cosmetologist, I have always struggled with finding a brand that had it all (clean ingredients, leaping bunny approved, sustainable sourcing, packaging, and more). We know and have learned that most brands in the beauty industry don't care about sustainable sourcing or packaging and that is something that needs to change. I can honestly say that Beautycounter is ahead of the game on all of this.

HOW TO PURCHASE

Now, if your next question is "where do I buy?" then keep reading.

First, shop here

You'll have the option to purchase like normal OR you can become a member.

Benefits of the Band of Beauty Membership ($29 / year)

• 10% of each order goes towards product credit that you can use on your next order (within 90 days)

• Free shipping on $100+

• Free gift when you become a member

• Exclusive offers and sales

• Discounts, discounts, discounts.

If you are a skincare addict (or just beauty addict in general) like me, the membership option is 1000% the route for you. To add the membership to your cart, type in "9000" in the search bar and it should pop up for you to add to your cart.

No matter how you purchase, if you are a first-time customer, be sure to use code CLEANFORALL20 for 20% off your purchase (does not take discount from membership, only products).

Here's a list of some of my favs that you MUST TRY:

- Countersun Daily Sheer Defense for face (face sunscreen that doesn't smell like sunscreen. Can I get a thank goodness!)

- Countermatch Adaptive Moisture Lotion (feels like silk)

- Hydrating Body Lotion in Bright Grapefruit (silky, smells like paradise, it's like Jesus himself made it)

- Clean Deo (lavender or coconut are my favorites)

- Counter+ All Bright C Serum (incredible vitamin C serum for dull skin)

- Liquid Glow Cream Shadow (in shade Gleam - amazing to use as highlighter)

Not sure what you need? Feel free to reach out to me for personalized help! I am partnered with the brand and it's what I'm here for :) please reach me through Instagram @katymalak or katymalakpr@gmail.com

Happy clean beauty shopping!

Until next time,

- Katy