We’re proud that none of our products contain any harsh chemicals, and it's exciting to see other leading skin care professionals hopping on the same chemical-free train. But with all of the different skincare products out there, it can quickly become overwhelming when deciding which one to go with.

The good news? Knowing some of the red flags to look out for when making your decision can make this process much easier. 

Here are a few to keep in your back pocket:

Heavy Fragrances

In general, the way fragrances in skincare products are regulated can get a bit tricky. Many of the ingredients that make up a heavy fragrance tend to fly under the radar, and can be filled with tons of spooky synthetic and allergy-provoking chemicals. 

So what's a person to do? Look for products that utilize natural oils or allergen-free fragrances (much like our own), and brands that are transparent about the ingredients that go into their products. Hey, if the shoe fits. 

Heavy Exfoliators

Exfoliating is incredibly important. But we’ve said it before, and we still stand by it: there is such a thing as too much exfoliation. And heavy exfoliators can be harmful to your skin.  Abrasive scrubs strip your skin, which leads to dryness and irritation.  And, it can worsen skin conditions like eczema, rosacea, and acne. 

Instead, try natural cleansers and more gentle exfoliators to keep your pores clean, and your skin healthy.

Long-Wear Makeup

We know that maybe makeup isn’t technically skincare, but you still are applying it to your skin, right?  So, we figured, might as well arm you with the power of knowledge in this department as well.

 For starters, long-wear makeup products are able to cling to your skin for so long because their packed full of strong chemicals that your skin shouldn’t be exposed to on a daily basis (or, honestly ever).  And, that’s not the only problem. 

When wearing long-wear makeup, we tend to fall off of our typical skincare routine.  Think: not washing your face because it’s “concealer you can sleep in.”  It’s never good to have harsh chemicals on your skin, but especially overnight.

At the end of the day, slowly replacing any red-flag products with alternatives that are free of harsh chemicals and parabens is a great place to start.  Trust us, your skin will thank you.

One of our favorite things about summer is all the fresh ingredients that flourish this time of year.  Whether it’s an at home garden, or a local farmer’s market, we love to take advantage of the natural foods available around us.

And because we’re feeling so inspired, we thought we’d bring you some refreshing summer salad recipes to keep you feeling energized through your fun-filled days.

So, here are two of our favorite superfood salads that are easy for anyone to make at home.  And, psst, these salads are just as good for your skin as they are for your taste buds.

Blueberry Kale Quinoa Salad

This hearty salad is packed with all the nutrients you need.  Kale’s high in fiber, blueberries are high in antioxidants, and quinoa’s high in protein.  It also has avocado and almonds, both sources of the good fats you need to fuel your body throughout the day.  And not to mention, avocado, kale, and blueberries are among some of the best foods for your skin.

So, here’s all you need to make this healthy summer snack:

•      Blueberries
•      Quinoa
•      Kale
•      Avocado
•      Almonds
•      Goat Cheese
•      Lemon Juice
•      Olive Oil

And, it’s so easy to make.  Just cook your quinoa and let it cool, remove the kale leaves from the thick stalk, and slice your avocado.  Then, mix it all together and you’ve got a summer salad that will nourish both you and your skin.

Pomegranate Broccoli Sweet Potato Salad

Sweet potatoes, broccoli, and pomegranate are also some of the best foods for your skin.  Broccoli is packed with Vitamin C, while sweet potatoes are a great source of Vitamin A, all important for good skin health.  Pomegranate helps hydrate skin, and also combats breakouts and inflammation.  So, after eating this salad, both your stomach and your complexion will be thanking you.

Here’s what you need:

•      Sweet Potatoes
•      Broccoli
•      Pomegranate
•      Olive Oil
•      Salt & Pepper
•      Sprouts
•      Mixed Nuts
•      Balsamic Vinegar

This summer salad takes a little bit longer than the last, just because the potatoes need to roast in the oven after being chopped and brushed with olive oil, salt and pepper.  But we promise, it’s worth the short wait.  Once the potatoes are tender, after baking from anywhere between 15 to 20 minutes, you’re ready to toss together your ingredients and enjoy.

What we like most about these summer salads, other than the fact that they’re so awesome for our skin, is that they’re simple.  You can play around with them, adding and changing different ingredients to make the superfood salad you like best.  And, since they’re so easy, they make the perfect side dish or starter to bring to a summer barbeque.

So, if you want to show off those chef skills, then try one of these superfood salads this summer.