Style & Beauty: My Go-To Products

               Hi Everyone! Happy Wednesday! I hope you are all enjoying your week so far. We have had actual snow in Nashville and it has been exciting! Cold and snowy, my favorite :) With the cold weather and the dry skin I thought it would be fun to share my go-to products not only during the chilly months but year round. These are products I stay true to and love all year long. As many of you know, I am a consultant on the side for Beautycounter and a lot of my go-to products are Beautycounter but also other products as well. Whether you are renewing your products for the new year, wanting to try something new, or simply want to see what I love I put together a lot of information for you. I hope you enjoy, please let me know if you have any questions!

Here is a detailed list of my go-to's and why I love them: My notes are in red

Coconut Milk Bath Soak by Herbivore:

Product Details

Key Benefits:

• Perfect for hydrating and softening skin
• Leaves your skin soft and hydrated
• Coconut milk powder moisturizes and softens the skin
• Delivers anti-inflammatory properties
• Helps soothe inflamed areas of the skin
• Vanilla helps deliver a relaxing and calming effect on the brain
• Provides relief from anxiety, anger and restlessness
• Imparts a soothing coconut and vanilla extract

Ingredients: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda) , Dehydrated Vegan Coconut Milk, Coconut Pulp CO2, Vanilla Planifolia Extract.

An ethically sourced, natural skin care line with a wide-range of products, Herbivore Botanicals stick to active ingredients for visible results.

If you need a good clean/safe bath soak this is a great product that I use when or if I take a bath. It smells great and the best part its safe to use. 

You can purchase it here: This is the best deal I have found on this: Coconut Milk Bath Soak

Beautycounter Balancing + Charcoal Mask:

As some of you may know, Beautycounter offers safe products with safe ingredients. All products are clean and safe of harmful chemicals and ingredients and safe for everyone in the family to use. 

Benefits: Activated charcoal and kaolin clay absorb excess oil and refine skin texture, giving skin a smooth, polished appearance. Infused with activated charcoal and ylang ylang, the Beautycounter+ Balancing Collection gently refines oily, uneven skin. 

The nutrient rich kaolin clay mask purifies and balances absorbing excess old and draws out impurities. Activated charcoal minuses the appearance of pores, giving skin a smooth, refined appearance while salicylic acid stimulations exfoliation. Perfect for all skin types and those concerned with congestion and oily skin. 

I use this twice a week and love the way it makes my skin feel afterwards. The mask dries quick and hardens deep within your pores. You skin will definitely feel softer and better just after one or two uses. This is also great for anyone that suffers from acne. 

To purchase: Charcoal Mask

Skinny Coconut Oil: Skinny Coconut Oil is the only 100% RAW, sustainably sourced, small batch, chemical free, preservative free, never heated and hand crafted coconut oil in the world.  The secret is our body and age defying patented Nutralock technology that produces oil below 100 degrees without using heat, chemicals or solvents. Heat and chemicals is the natural enemy of oil because it breaks down its vital medium chain fatty acids (MCFA’s) and naturally occurring enzymes rendering the oil less effective.

With Skinny Coconut Oil you are assured of getting those rare to find yet highly beneficial MCFA’s.  The miracle of MCFA’s is that they are quickly digested by the body instead of stored as fat and arterial plaque like long chain fatty acids found in seed and other types of oils.

Skinny Coconut Oil is also a natural form of MCT oil along with having over 50% lauric acid -the highest levels found in a coconut oil,  which is the immune building key to mothers breast milk.

Skinny Coconut Oil takes 30% more coconuts to produce and in its liquid state above 78 degrees readers completely clear and actually looks like water - the true sign of purity in coconut oil.

Skinny Coconut Oil gives you everything you need to hydrate, repair and protect your body and skin.  Our exclusive age defying patented process uniquely formulates a pH balanced coconut oil which maintains all of its natural occurring fatty acids essential for beautiful hair and skin.

Your skin is your largest organ and works hard for you - return the favor with Skinny Coconut Oil and indulge yourself in the best nature has to offer. Reap the many benefits of younger, hydrated and healthy looking skin and a slimmer, more focused, healthier looking you.  Skinny Coconut Oil is as close as you can get to handpicked from the tree.

Benefits:

• Paleo - Keto - Vegan - Non GMO
• Great healthy Fat for Energy
• Shown to boost metabolism

Details:

• Wild harvested coconuts are handpicked
• No chemicals, fillers, solvents or preservatives
• Patented NutraLock™ process uses cold air instead of heat

How To Use:

• Add to tea, coffee, or smoothies
• Use in place of butter or conventional oils
• Take spoonful for natural sustained energy

For hair, face, and skin care, view our Health & Body collection. Coconut oil may turn liquid above 76 degrees Fahrenheit and become solid again under 76 degrees.

Ingredients:

• 100% RAW Patented Nutralock Coconut Oil (cocos nucifera)

**All information found on the Skinny Coconut Website

I use this every night as a makeup remover to remove the makeup from my eyes before cleansing with my Beautycounter products. This product you can also cook with as it mentions above but I use this as a night time regiment for my makeup. You can also take a look at the website as they have entire section of coconut oil products for style and beauty.

To purchase: Skinny Coconut Oil

Peppermint Pure Castile Bar Soap: Our most popular scent & with a peppermint burst so pure it tingles! Scented with organic peppermint oil to cool skin, clear sinuses and sharpen mind. Our Peppermint Pure-Castile Bar Soap is made with certified fair trade ingredients and organic hemp oil for a soft, smooth lather that won't dry your skin. 100% biodegradable in a 100% post-consumer recycled wrapper.

Ingredients: Organic Coconut Oil*, Organic Palm Oil*, Sodium Hydroxide**, Water, Organic Olive Oil*, Mentha Arvensis, Organic Hemp Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Mentha Piperita, Sea Salt, Citric Acid, Tocopherol

*CERTIFIED FAIR TRADE INGREDIENTS
**None remains after saponifying oils into soap & glycerin.

** All information found directly from the Dr. Bronner's Website 

Reed and I both use this daily in the shower as a body bar soap and also as a hand soap by the sink. We love the peppermint smell but also love the way it leaves your skin feeling after each use. They have great products! We love the bottled castile soap also to clean our home as well. 

To purchase: I find this at Sprouts or my local grocery store also Target now carries this or online at Peppermint Castille Bar Soap

Beautycounter Nourishing Cream Cleanser: Soothe and nourish your skin as you wash away your makeup and other impurities with this ultra-gentle daily cleanser. Lightweight yet deeply moisturizing, the creamy formula contains witch hazel to tone skin, and coconut oil and aloe to help hydrate.

Dampen skin, then gently massage cleanser into your face, Rinse, and this is perfect for all skin types for the whole family.

I use this daily as my daily face wash either in the morning or at night. The other product I love that I didn't mention here is the charcoal bar by Beautycounter. I switch these two from day to night to cleanse my face. Excellent products!!

To Purchase: Beautycounter Nourishing Cream Cleanser

Beautycounter Color Pinch Cream Blusher: This brightens your cheeks with a natural, dewy color. Using jojoba ester and carnauba wax as it conditions and hydrates skin, making the smooth, non sticky formula easy to apply on the go. You dab this on your cheek bones on blend evenly with a blender sponge, your finger, or brush. This creates a natural looking glow and adds color to your cheeks.

 I use this daily and a little bit goes a long way! you just need a dab on each side of your face after you apply your foundation, powder, this is your finishing touch. 

Beautycounter Touchup Skin Concealer Pen:  Hide dark circles, redness, or other areas of imperfections with this concealer pen. Unlike other concealers that move or shift, ours stays put for long lasting, flawless wear. Plus, the click pen and brush applicator make it easy to apply just use the right amount on the go. Formulated with knotgrass extract, our concealer helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and photo aging so skin looks firmer, brighter instantly. 

I also use this daily as well under my eyes and any other redness areas of my skin that I want to touch up. This works great and another favorite product!!

Beautycounter Eye and Cheek Palette:  This Palette is currently sold out on the Beautycounter website but there is another palette called the Ocean and Pacific Palette that is equally great with incredible colors. 

This is the Ocean and Pacific Palette for you to get an idea of the quality and beautiful shades of eyeshadow but also that we offer multiple safe products 

To Purchase: Products shown here 

Beautycounter Peppermint Lip Conditioner:  Soothes and softens lips with peppermint and rosemary oils. Rub a small amount on lips to condition as much as needed. 

I use this daily, especially in the winter months. When your lips are cracked, dried, or whatever is going on with them and you want a good conditioner that works like a chapstick with butter haha I'm not kidding, its the bomb!! 

To PurchaseL Lip Conditioner Sold here

beauty: sunscreen by Beautycounter

               Hey everyone! Happy Sunday! What a great weekend it was here in TN! It's been hot in the high eighties and nineties all weekend but we have made the best of it. My parents came down to visit for my dad's birthday and we had a great time. We went to the Franklin Mainstreet festival yesterday which is always a fun time and got to spend time celebrating Dad and hanging out with Drey as well :) 

           With warm weather and sunny days arriving I wanted to take a minute to talk about the sunscreen I have been using and will use all summer! You all know the Beautycounter brand is near and dear to my heart as it has truly transformed my skin and created a new toxic free living for me and also for friends and family. I truly love all of the products but the sunscreen has really been great during this time of year. 

         Last summer, with my skin spots being removed and literally being scared to go outside in the sun (even though I am still feeling like this) I am learning ways and how to help when I am outside during the summer months. This sunscreen is definitely one of them. Protecting my skin early and while I am still in my twenties is so important for my later life. I have realized the impact that keeping my skin hydrated and protected with sunscreen has. More importantly, protected with safe ingredients. I keep the face stick in my purse at all times in case I am outside and need it and then have my sunscreen tube for when I will be exposed to more sun time.

Here is a little information about the sunscreen:

COMES IN

-4.8 oz tube

-face stick 

-body stick

BENEFITS
– Broad spectrum sunscreen for everyday use
– Blocks UVA and UVB rays with non-nano zinc oxide,
a safe and effective physical sun blocker
– Lightweight formula applies and absorbs easily and
does not leave skin white
– Water resistant for 40 minutes

SCENT
Citrus Mint Mimosa

KEY INGREDIENTS
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice: Natural moisture-binding agent; natural protectant against moisture loss and inflammation.
Blood Orange Fruit Extract: Supplies antioxidants to support the skin.
Chamomile Flower Extract: Soothing, anti-inflammatory. Green Tea Leaf Extract: Rich in antioxidants, green tea helps
sooth and calm the skin.

IDEAL FOR
All skin types Adults and children

DIRECTIONS FOR USE
Apply liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply at least every 2 hours, after 40 minutes of swimming or sweating, or immediately after towel-drying.
Spending time in the sun increases risk of cancer and early skin aging. To decrease this risk, regularly use a sunscreen with a broad spectrum SPF of 15 or higher, and other sun protection measures including:
– Limit time in the sun, especially from 10AM–2PM
– Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, hats and sunglasses
– Protect the product in this container from excessive heat
and direct sun. Store at temperatures below 90°F.

SAFETY INSIGHT
Protect All Over Sunscreen uses non-nano zinc, an effective and safe natural mineral sun blocker. 

Any questions? Just ask  and here is my website: 

http://www.beautycounter.com/tesladraffin

beauty: my daily skin routine

                   hi everyone! it's a new week and i still can't believe its already February! we had a great weekend relaxing and enjoying time with my brother and a few friends this weekend. i hope you all had a great weekend as well. i wanted to share my daily skin routine with you all this week. i have recieved several questions about beautycounter and what i use daily and thought this would be a great way to share.

                  as some of you know last year was a year filled with dermatology appointments and getting spots removed. last year around this time i was introduced to beautycounter and i couldn't be more thankful for what it has done to my skin. i have always been a product junky and i loved my subscription boxes and all that fun stuff but i often found myself not sticking to one brand but several. i never thought i would be able to order everything i need from one brand, and thats exactly what i do with beautycounter. to my shampoo & conditioner, to my makeup, and lotion. it's also such a reassurance in knowing that all of what i am using every day  contains safe ingredients and is actually good for me.

here is my daily routine:

-3 days a week, i apply the purifying charcoal mask and leave this on for 20 minutes or until it hardens and then i wash off the mask. it feels amazing and leaves my skin with a clean glow. this really has made the difference each week in my skin. the mask tightens and cleanses very well.

(below) each morning: i wash my face with the nourishing cream cleanser and then i pat my face dry and use the nourishing day cream every day before applying my makeup. the good thing about these products are how light weight they are. i don't like some moisturizers that are thick and leave your face feeling gunky (i think i made that word up) but you know what i mean :)

(below) this is my night-time routine before bed. every single night i have used these products for the past year and i can really feel the difference in my skin. i start by washing my makeup off each night with the charcoal bar. after i pat my face dry, i use one squirt (dime size amounts for all of these products) and i mix one drop of the balancing oil below in with the nourishing night cream which is the bottle on the far left. so let me re-cap.... charcoal bar- mix the balancing oil in with the night cream. then i apply that mixture to my face and let it dry and then lastly i take a small amount (dime size) of the eye cream (tube in the middle) and pat this lightly around my eyes.

this night-time routine has also really made the difference along with the charcoal mask. i can't tell you how great my skin feels on a daily basis.  it truly is about being consistent such as anything if you want to see results and feel good. 

thanks for stopping by! i hope you have enjoyed this beauty post. you can see all of the beautycounter products on my website at http://www.beautycounter.com/tesladraffin  

if you have any questions, please reach out to me and ask :) thank you and i will see you again real soon, have a great week! xoxo

            

feature: essential oils

hi everyone! i hope you all had a wonderful thanksgiving with your friends & family! it's hard to believe Christmas is right around the corner :) 

several weeks ago, i was gifted a super fun package in the mail from a friend in indiana sharing her essential oil business with me "doterra." she sent me a care package and wanted me to try all of the essential oils that she offers. 

i will tell you, that i am a huge fan of essential oils and have been using them for almost two years now. the essential oil that has truly saved my life has been peppermint oil. if you know me, you know i have had migraines and headaches since i was 15 and i would regularly get them every two months or so. i discovered peppermint oil online when a Facebook friend said to try this for migraines. i had literally tried everything in the book and been to every type of doctor under the sun and nothing helped or worked. because they are hereditary, i knew i would have them for a long time if not forever. it wasn't until i started using peppermint oil and also regularly attending a chiropractor; i discovered these terrible things that started with an "m" disappeared. it has been a little over a year since i have had one and i truly can't believe it. 

you might be wondering how this can help a headache or migraine and how to use it. because the peppermint oil is so strong, it simply soothes and relaxes the muscles. i apply peppermint oil to the back of my neck, temples, and dab it under my nose. i will use this anytime my head feels tight, pressure, or i feel like i might get a headache. i have passed this on to many friends and family members! if you ask any of my old co-workers what oil i used constantly in the office they would all know and say peppermint oil haha! it has truly saved my life. 

now, enough about me. my friend sent me this wonderful package full of healthy snacks, essential oil samples, magazines, and my favorite was the recipe cards of what to use and how. i would be more than happy to pass along my friends information as well if anyone is interested, please send me a message or e-mail and i will gladly send you her personal information :) as you can see, she sent me a great sample of each of the essential oils. i haven't tried them all yet but i obviously have been using the peppermint oil that she gave me as well as the lavender for sleeping purposes (its wonderful). i have also experimented with the lemon oil as well in the kitchen and have really enjoyed this one as well. 

here are a few helpful essential oil tips & recipes that i used:

all purpose cleaner: i mixed dr. bronners peppermint soap with 4-5 drops of peppermint oil and placed it in a spray bottle and i use this daily for cleaning in my kitchen and home

linen pillow spray: 3 drops of lavender, 2 drops of chamomile, mixed with distilled water  add this to a spray bottle and spray a mist on your pillows and let dry before sleeping (lavender is great for a good nights sleep)

refreshing room spray: 2 drops of peppermint oil, 2 drops of lemon, and distilled water and add this to a spray bottle and use as a mist for your home! smells so good and fresh!

20 health benefits of essential oils: 

1. affect the psyche

2. support immune function

3. supply potent antimicrobials

4. provide natural pain relief 

5. reduce inflammation 

6. ease stress and anxiety

7. decrease insomnia 

8. rejuvenate skin

9. protect against colds and influenza

10. soothe digestive disorders

11. improve circulatory system 

12. promote optimal endocrine function

13. support urinary system 

14. soothe burns, sunburns, minor cuts, and scrapes

15. support muscles and bones

16. provide oral and dental care

17. nourish and strengthen hair

18. improve mental clarity

19. protect against cancer

20. provide safe and natural alternatives to household cleaners 

i hope you have enjoyed a little bit of information on essential oils and why i am a true believer of them! thank you so much to Jerrie for inspiring this post and for sending me products to try! i love them all and appreciate it! if you have any questions at all or would like further information/ personal information on Jerrie's business in essential oils please contact me. 

thanks so much and hope you all have a great week :) see you again soon xoxo