It’s easy to crave less. Less to buy. Less to clean. Less to store. Less to chose from. Less to throw away. And we’re those people who get a rush from consolidating two items down to one or earning more space in the drawer/cabinet/closet by paring down, so this is our idea of a good time (why buy ten bottles to do ten things when one product can do it all?). Three years ago I wrote a post about how we try to keep things simple in small ways, so after more than a few requests for an update/extended list, here it is. Happily, three years after embarking on Project Simplify, we probably have fewer cleaning/grooming/hygiene products around the house than we did back then – even with a third person in the house to care for. The “magic products” that work for us are probably going to be different than the ones that work for you (so there’s no pressure to conform to organic stuff if that’s not your jam), but hopefully it helps to see how we try to keep things simple.
Back in 2009, John and I realized that we don’t mind using the same shampoo and conditioner (Avalon Organics from Target) and could also share the same body wash (we currently use Say Yes To Cucumbers, also from Target) so why not stop buying our own bottles – for a total of 6-7 containers in the shower at all times – and share? Purchasing a single bottle of each breaks the constant cycle of someone needing shampoo or conditioner every time we go to the store, and three bottles (total) in the shower at all times is pretty darn refreshing. We don’t have other bottles of shampoo/conditioner/body wash in the vanity or linen closet – this is it. When it gets low we get a new bottle. It’s nice and uncomplicated.
Thanks to a lot of our eco-related changes from a few years back, pairing down in a few other areas has gotten awesomely automatic. Relying only on Seventh Generation Free & Clear laundry detergent (without any fabric softener) makes shopping for laundry products few and far between (and makes storing a single bottle a breeze). We used to use Charlie’s Soap for diapers but alternated with Seventh Generation whenever we ran out, and eventually just stuck with Seventh Generation (diapers are still doing great and it’s easier to find and use one thing on everything across the board). We ran out of fabric softener a few years back and did some loads of laundry without it and didn’t even notice a difference, so we just stopped buying it.
We use this in the dishwasher. We have talked about making homemade laundry detergent and dish detergent too, but haven’t tried it out yet (we’ll blog all about it if we make the switch someday). We have some great recipes in this post of yore.
When it comes to cleaning everything else around the house, from floors to counters and tubs and tile, we use these two cleaners 99% of the time (along with the occasional homemade recipe from this post). No buying window cleaners and tile cleaners and wood floor cleaners each to do an individual job. We usually just water down some Mrs. Meyers (the “all purpose cleaner” label really means it works on counters, wood floors, etc) and use a moist microfiber cloth to rub down whatever it is that needs scrubbing (floors, counters, tabletops, windowsills, etc). For glass, I just use vinegar and water (5 parts water to 1 part white vinegar). Here’s a post with more of our cleaning routine broken down for ya.
We also water down our Dr Bronner’s soap (it recommends that on the bottle, which is awesome since it goes twice as far) and use it for all the hand-washing in the house (kitchen sink, bathrooms, etc). We do one part water to one part soap and it’s great. It’s also what I use to wash my face/remove makeup. It’s nice and mild. And we wash Burger with it. So it’s pup approved.
I think I got bitten by the simplicity bug back in NYC, when I lived in the tiniest studio, with no room for anything. Ladies (and gents?), I give you my makeup bag. I’m not proud of my $5 Chinatown bag from nine years ago (I can’t believe the zipper still works) but the point is that virtually all the makeup that I own lives in this little bag. It’s not a travel bag, it’s my only bag – which makes it easy to pop into a suitcase. It actually lives in the car for the most part since John’s the driver and I get to “put on my face” as we go wherever we’re going (since I can never seem to get it together and do it at home).
It holds:
- Physician’s Formula Organic Wear bronzer/blush (from Target or CVS)
- Physician’s Formula Organic Wear two-toned eye make-up (from Target or CVS)
- Physician’s Formula Organic Wear concealer stick (from Target or CVS)
- Physician’s Formula Organic Wear mascara (from Target)
- An eyelash curler (from Sephora)
- A blush brush (from Sephora)
- One lone contact (just because I am known to lose them randomly)
I’ve used all of the above products exclusively for the past 2-3 years. And I love them. I’ve never been great with anything like liquid liner or fake eyelashes, so for those of you who are, maybe I don’t know what I’m missing. But either way, my simplified makeup bag facilitates super speedy makeup application, which actually results in me looking more polished. I’d never slap on make-up if it was too complicated or took too long – I’m just a wash and go girl (hence my ponytail tendencies). And now that I only use a few organic things, my skin is a lot better, and I find that I don’t amass a pile of new products (no more impulsive purple eye shadow or bubble gum pink lip gloss purchases that seemed like a good idea at the time).
As for what we do use in the name of hygiene, John has hair stuff (Crew from Target after he couldn’t find his favorite old stuff, Got2be – which we later learned got new packaging so it was hard to spot) and shaving cream and aftershave (Burt’s Bees). I actually just shave with a little bit of conditioner in the shower. We both use the same type of razor (we have two of them, mine is in the shower and John’s is in the drawer) so that buying refill blades is nice and simple (we don’t have to buy two types for two different razors). And we both use Tom’s of Maine deodorant and toothpaste (the kind with fluoride since we tried the fluoride free kind and both got cavities and then switched back and have had none for the past two years).
That’s about it when it comes to beauty/grooming products that we buy beyond shampoo, body wash, and conditioner (John’s not a cologne guy and I’m not a perfume girl). We also use sunscreen and lotion, but just try to buy one container and restock only when it runs out. We like Dr. Bronner’s Lavender Coconut Organic Lotion (from Target or Whole Foods) and Bullfrog Sunscreen SPF 30 (Target, CVS). We keep a tube of each of those in our travel bag under the sink and in our car’s middle console. I don’t even use face cream now that I use mild makeup and Dr Bronner’s soap (it doesn’t strip my face so it’s not dry and in need of lotion anymore – which used to make my sensitive skin break out anyway).
In high school I was kind of a slave to beauty products (you should have seen my stash – I probably had a million bottles) but since I no longer get home from school at three pm and play with my nails/hair/face for hours, this new “grown up busy mom” routine works for me. For the past three years I’ve actually not used hair spray, pommade, or perfume. This is definitely one of those to-each-his-own things, but I like the smell of my shampoo and body wash enough to be cool with that being “my scent” – and thanks to my ponytail propensity, there’s no need for any hair stuff beyond shampoo, conditioner, and a good old fashioned brush. It’s a look I like to call low-maintenance chic on a good day (and messy momma on a bad day).
One of the nicest things is that there are sections of magazines about makeup and perfume that I can gloss over entirely (in high school I was kind of an “ooh I want that!” kind of girl, which is probably why I had approximately 500 bottles and samples and cans of things on my vanity) so I can’t tell you how nice it is to not always want everything I read about. I just flip on by. Oh wait, but there’s nail polish.
I didn’t paint my nails or toes for a while just to keep it simple, but I do have occasional yearnings for a bright pop of color, so I do have a few polishes made by Zoya and Honeybee Gardens (they’re free of some of the fumier chemicals in some other brands). I have ten nail polish bottles total, which all fit into our freshly organized drawer. It’s nice to keep it to that number, so I won’t impulsively buy any more. I probably had 50+ bottles in high school, but now ten is the new number – no buying any more unless one runs out.
Oh and I love this stuff. It’s in my purse, a box next to my desk, on my night table and in the glove compartment of the car. You don’t want to see me when I can’t get my hands on lip balm. I’m a total baby. You’d think my lips were falling off or on fire or something. Seriously, it’s not pretty. So I learned that keeping one stick of it in four key places is the simplest solution for me. I never completely run out since I have a few stashed around the house, and because I have so many in rotation, they tend to last a while so I’m not always buying it a stick at a time.
Oh yes, but within the last three years we had a baby! So we must have amassed a ton of products for Clara, right? I mean we are pretty attached to the girl. But when it comes to keeping Clara moisturized, clean, diaper-rash-free, and sunburn free, instead of registering for twenty creams and lotions we decided to scan three things and take more of a wait-and-see approach. We knew we could always purchase more/different products once Clara came along (who knows if she’d have an allergy to something anyway) so we started with:
- California Baby Super Sensitive Shampoo & Bodywash (for bathtime) from Target
- Badger Baby Sunscreen (for sun protection) from Whole Foods
- California Baby Calendula Cream (for face, body, diaper rash, cradle cap, eczema, dry skin, etc) from Target
That’s it. No baby powder, no face lotion and body lotion and diaper cream (just one that does it all), and no body soap that differs from hair soap. Just three basics. And miracle of all miracles, that’s still all we use! After almost two years. Seriously, those three products are our entire arsenal. So you can imagine that when it comes to storing them it’s no biggie (they all slip into the top drawer of her dresser except for the shampoo which we keep in the closet in her bathroom with the washcloths and towels). So we don’t have a big basket of products or a stockpile of extra bottles. Just those three things. And when they run out we get more. Just one more though, we don’t want to get ahead of ourselves. Haha. Who knows when things could change. But so far, so good. Off to knock on some wood…
By making an effort to covet less (and trying to focus on natural things or a small amount of items) it cuts way down on the products that can jump into my cart on a whim. And it doesn’t feel like I’m missing out on anything. It feels like I’m gaining closet and cabinet space, more moolah in my wallet, and extra time that I can spend doing things other than restock various bottles. I’m dying to know what you guys do to make life easy and live with less. From sharing products and even making your own to forsaking certain things and purchasing specific items in bulk, I’d love to hear what works for you.
Update – Wanna know where we got something in our house or what paint colors we used? Just click on this button:
Stacey says
I love your blog and that you also show that it’s “hip” to be Green! I know a couple people have already mentioned Norwex to you, and I, too, highly recommend you try their microfiber cloths! I probably sound biased because I sell them, but the only reason I sell them is because I LOVE them! You can order from my website or any other Norwex consultant, I just hope you will try them.
Btw, can NOT wait to see your book. Congrats!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Stacey! We’ll have to check it out!
xo,
s
Kristen P. says
I love Burt’s Bees and Organic Wear too! And it doesn’t have to be crazy expensive. CVS regularly has $7 extra care bucks back when you buy 1 Physician’s Formula product (including the organic wear line), I think it made me tinted moisturizer only $3 last time I bought it. And Walgreen’s had $5 back when you bought $20 of Burt’s Bees stuff just last week. Everytime one of these sales happens I stock up with a couple of each thing I use.
YoungHouseLove says
Great tip! Never knew it included the Org line!
xo,
s
Hayley says
Ha! I stash tubes of Burts Bees all over my house too!! LOVE that stuff. I am a total baby if I forget my Burts. I forgot to bring it with me to clinicals once and I was miserable all day. Completely addicted. I also love Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint! So tingly and refreshing. It’s the best. My face never breaks out anymore. Great idea about diluting it for handwashing, I’ve been using it straight. That should help save a little moo-lah. :)
Cat says
Great post! I was wondering if your all-natural approach carries over to eating as well, especially with your little one. Would love to hear a little about it!
YoungHouseLove says
We definitely do our best to go with organic produce and dairy and lean meats only a few times a week (we’re mainly vegetarians maybe five nights a week, which definitely makes it affordable to buy organic produce and dairy, which is slightly more expensive, since not buying as much meat balances out). We’re not super crunchy or anything just eating flax every meal or anything, haha, but Clara loves things like yogurt and hummus and salmon, which makes us so happy!
xo,
s
Tove says
I love that I’m not the only one who gets excited about paring down my cupboards and closets! I made the switch to microfiber about a year ago and it’s been amazing. We use it on all our surfaces from kitchen to bathroom and everything in between including ourselves. My 8-month old has never had soap on her body – Norwex cloths only!
YoungHouseLove says
Love that!!
xo,
s
monica says
You know, I am 52 years old and have never used fabric softener! Have never understood the need and figured it was one of those marketing tricks, like “lather, rinse, repeat” (which makes you use twice as much shampoo as if you just lather once). . .
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, never thought about that with the repeat thing, so funny! I only do it once though, so maybe subconsciously I call their bluff? Haha.
xo,
s
Erin says
Such an awesome list! You totally need to check out Soapwalla Deodorant Cream though. It’s completely vegan and natural and works WAAAAYY better than Tom’s. Seriously. http://etsy.com/shop/soapwallakitchen
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Erin! Sounds awesome!
xo,
s
Stefanie says
My hubs uses the same got2be hair pomade. Haven’t heard about the discontinuation. Just got a bunch last month- different packaging. It’s now silver and purple. You like the crew?
YoungHouseLove says
It took a bit of getting used to. It’s a bit stickier and takes a bit more work not to leave a ‘gel’ look, but it’s actually grown on me. Not sure the price tag ever will though.
-John
Claudia says
Loving your tips and recipes for self-made cleaning products.
Over here in Germany, we have something called vinegar essence which I used to clean with (and to decalcify the waterboiler… who wants to use chemical stuff on something you heat water for tea???)
Since I can’t stand the smell of vinegar, I was sooo happy to find citrus essence, and it smells sooo much better. Has a little less acid, but works just the same. So in case the vinegar smell bothers you, maybe you can find something similar.
YoungHouseLove says
Such a cool tip!
xo,
s
Christy B. says
Love this post! I’m all about simplifying, and month by month I cut down on what we have as far as personal hygiene and cleaning. I only wear mascara, blush, and tinted moisturizer during the week, so I’m with you on the small makeup bag. And I’ve been looking for an organic shampoo I can just buy at Target, so thanks for the heads up!
Heather Rivard says
Hey guys! Thanks so much for the post (and blog in general). I’m always inspired by how considered your home is, how every space is treated as potential for creative expression. What an awesome way to raise your daughter, too? I bet those early childhood brain scans they do would show Clara all crazy lit up with ten colors in the bits they point to and say “this is the part we use when we’re all loved and supported and surrounded by creativity”.
Any who, I do have a question for you guys. It’s clear from this post that you take a lot of care with the products you use (seventh generation,organic, simple, vinegar for cleaning, castile soap). I also noticed that you seem to do most of your shopping at Target/CVS/Home Depot. Have you guys considered switching to independent locally owned stores? How do you guys make decisions about where you shop?
YoungHouseLove says
We definitely have our favorite local haunts that we try to blog about as much as possible (a local tile store we use, a few local thrift stores that benefit amazing causes, a local stone store where we got our locally made patio pavers, a local lighting outlet that we love, some great local fabric stores that we frequent, local craft fairs that we share, Etsy artists that we love, etc). We actually do all of our shipping/mailing at a local gift shop and used a local print shop exclusively when we sold prints/t-shirts. We also have a great local butcher/florist/pharmacy.
So we definitely do the local thing when we can, balanced with some big box stores that are close to our house and convenient for many of our readers (posting about things that other folks around the country have access to as well seems to help people since we’re providing a source they can also use). We don’t eat all organic/local or wear only organic/local clothes, so I think like most things, we just try to maintain balance in all areas of our life whenever we can.
xo,
s
Na says
I know Trader Joe’s has the best price for Dr. Browner’s soap (32oz for $9.99) but I don’t have any information for Mrs. Meyers.
Where do you buy yours?
Is it too silly question ? ^^;;;;;
YoungHouseLove says
Not at all! I think it’s around the same as Dr Bronners (around $9 at Target for a big bottle) but I’m not sure! Sometimes they have sales I think and it’s less!
xo,
s
Lisa @ Cozy Condo Living says
Thank you for all the great suggestions. At 43 I’m still collecting makeup like I did in high school, but only use a few items. I love the idea of having only a bag’s worth to worry about. I also love that you get most of your products at Target. I had no idea that they carried so many natural products and I’m going to bet that they’re not as expensive as Whole Foods.
Natalie says
Zoya Nail Polish is the best stuff ever. Always glad to see other people discovering that polish. Excellent.
Jessica says
I just did thanks to John and Sherry’s post then I saw it on Birchbox and I’m going to buy it! :)
Kristin says
Thanks so much for the motivation/inspiration I needed to pare down my personal care product regimen! And, our little one just got her first major diaper rash (we made it 4 months – it was good run), so I’m in the market for the right treatment product that will work with her cloth diapers. California Baby it is…
Elisha says
I wish I could only live with those few products I have natural hair so I’m always trying new stuff due to season changes and my hair getting tired of the same product. Oh my makeup addiction doesn’t help either.
Carrie G says
John & Sherry, you guys really need to learn about Norwex! Your on the right track with your green products, but you can one up most of them by cleaning with a re-usable cloth & only water. Please humor me & check it out http://www.greencleangirl.com BTW – I just love you guys!!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, we’ve heard great things about it! We’d love to check it out one day!
xo,
s
Harriet says
Great ideas! We live on our boat for 8 months at a time and I’m always looking for space-saving ideas. We have to stock up before heading to the Bahamas for the winter (since you can’t buy much over there) so the less we have to carry, the better! I may have to blog about simplification too!
Ashley says
Question: One thing that you probably aren’t using anymore, but I am still curious about is the stretch mark cream you used during pregnancy. Is there one that you used/ loved?
Thanks for all of the simplification tips and eco-friendly product options!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh man, here’s the minimalist in me. I didn’t use anything. I am crazy. I just let it go and kept thinking “I’ll get some sort of magic cream next week” and never got to it. My mom didn’t get any with us (we joke that we have stretchy skin like sausage casings) so I think it’s mostly a genetic thing (some people are predisposed to them, etc). It can’t hurt to use moisturizers though! I hear cocoa butter is a big favorite with most people!
xo,
s
kathy h says
You HAVE to try Original Sprout body and hair wash. It’s all organic and made here locally in San Luis Obispo, CA. If none of your stores stock it you can get a big bottle on Amazon and it will last forever!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much for the recommendation Kathy! It sounds awesome!
xo,
s
Jennifer says
I was wondering if you knew about california baby reformulating their stuff! You have inspired me to declutter! Last night I got rid of old towels, toiletry products and junk out of our bathroom. I can’t wait till we are living the simple life too!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, someone told us about the reformulation so we updated the post. Thankfully ours is from before the reformulation and we’ll probably switch to Dr Bronners stuff after we run out!
xo,
s
Kelly V says
Thank you for the organizational inspiration! While the boys were napping today, I went through all the bathroom drawers, linen closet and kitchen sink. Wow, I feel so much better!
YoungHouseLove says
Yay! So glad!
xo,
s
Summer says
We use Babyganics on our son – his skin is so sensitive that a lot of products give him little red bumps. I love it because it is free of parabens and all of those other nasty chemicals. I highly recommend the brand! :)
Andrea says
I LOVE and use almost all of the same products as you guys. I’ve been trying to pare down too. I hadn’t thought of using Dr. Bronners for so much – will have to try that out in a few more places. My other fave for cleaning is white vinegar. Windows, mirrors, and laundry, in particular.
Since you have hundreds of comments I didn’t look for the ones about the CA Baby Calendula cream (which is THE BEST THING EVER for my baby’s skin, which is always rashy in some form or another. The doctor last week actually called her “a rashy baby”). I was on their website a while ago because I heard about the reformulation, and I thought they had a pretty reasonable explanation for the changes (mostly, about why the calendula is now lower on the list of ingredients). Anyway, I don’t know what exactly the complaint was, but I just wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt since I love the stuff too.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much for the info! We’ll have to check it out. Someone linked (Ted) to a not very flattering for them exchange that made the switch sound pretty shady (they outright denied formulating and only later admitted it) so I think it was definitely a rough patch for them.
xo,
s
Brooke says
I love all this! I emptied out our closet and plan on purchasing one of everything you listed to try when we run out of our current stash.
What do you do about mosquitos? My son and I are getting eaten alive already this season. We live in NC and I try to keep the standing water to a minimum, but we both came in with 5-10 last night. :( He keeps telling me he’s itching this morning.
YoungHouseLove says
We don’t usually buy anything (we burn these natural incense sticks when we’re out on the patio if it’s buggy) but we have heard great things about Bullfrog bug spray, so we’d love to try that since it’s supposed to be really natural.
xo,
s
Laura says
Always love to see you guys doing posts on personal care and simple products! This week on our blog I wrote about my toiletries (specifically for travel)…must be something in the blog water.. :)
I used to use got2be, too!! Way back in the day…I completely forgot about it. Thanks for the throw-back.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, too funny!
xo,
s
Laura in LA says
John can find his Got2Be products at Walgreens, or at least that is where I get mine. Great post!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the tip Laura!
xo,
s
Robyn says
So I know its a couple days later, but I had to jump in and reply! I was feeling super inspired by your post, and have spent the last two days cleaning out/pairing down the kitchen and master bath! Thank you so much for the inspiration! Feels like a breath of fresh air, and I can’t wait to keep going!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw so glad! Good luck with everything!
xo,
s
Cara says
Great post! Bonus-most of those products aren’t tested on animals either-yay! Method from target is also pretty gravely. Another great classic? Cheap and healthy? Bon Ami for cleaning. Dr.Bronners is fab!
Lisa says
I am inspired! I’ve grown tired of the product piles. Time to clear it out! Thanks for the tips!
Jennifer says
Hi Guys! Not sure if anyone has already commented about this or not. But I saw the pic of Jon’s Got 2 Be hair product and recognized it as the same one my Hubby is obsessed with. They changed the packaging and I just found it again in my local Target about a week ago. The new packaging is a purple tub with a silver top. Hope Jon will be as excited to find it as my Hubby was!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, we just noticed that this morning! Thanks for the tip!
xo,
s
Rachelle says
I have been a loyal addict of Burt’s Bees lip balm for more than a decade–It’s like crack to me! I also turn into a baby when I find myself without it… I keep licking my lips and feel quite panicked, lol! Luckily that rarely happens since I have little pots stashed everywhere!
Jenny says
I’ve been using Burt’s Bees pomegranate shampoo/conditioner exclusively for 2+ years. It has done wonders for my hair! However, BB has recently changed their shampoo formula and its not what it used to be (never feels like I get it all washed out of my hair… making it feel dirty and full of products all day). So, I’m curious about Avalon and why you like it? I may be in the market for a change…. thanks! :-)
YoungHouseLove says
We have used it for years and really like it (Yes To Carrots/Cucumbers is great too, also avail at Target). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Megan says
Hey Sherry,
Just wanted to say that you inspired me to not only organize my bathroom drawers and under the sink, but you also got me rethinking about my makeup and bathroom product needs. For the amount of makeup that I had collected over the years, I found I only used about 5% of it…so the rest was donated to those who can’t afford makeup (including some perfumes I never wore)!! I also got rid of all of the lotions and “things” that I had in the bathroom that I never use (some I only used once!)…I can’t even begin to tell you how refreshing it is to get down to just one box of the essentials!! My drawers have never looked this good thanks to you!!
YoungHouseLove says
Wahoo! You have no idea how giddy that makes me. So happy for you!
xo,
s
Jenifer says
Reading this post reminds me *so much* of living in the US.
We moved to NZ two years ago. Back in the US, my product list was quite similar to yours — all natural, easy to get at target, trader joes, etc. So lovely.
I move to NZ and the same deodorant costs $13 a stick instead of $4 (or less). Your shampoo? $22 bottle. It’s just outrageous. LOL
I tried every local product and it was terrible on my hair, skin, etc.
Except one thing: locally made, all natural dish soap!
Swear to Google! LOL
So, this is us: 5 liters dish soap; 5 liters white vinegar; 5 kilos baking soda; 3 liters organic coconut oil; 2 kilos zinc oxide powder; 2 kilos sea salt; 2 lt honey.
And here is what we do with it:
1. laundry, dishes, and general cleaning: dish soap plus vinegar plus banking soda!
2. body wash/face wash: dish soap or honey (i prefer honey — about 1 tsp does everything beautifully).
3. shampoo: Dish soap 1x week, vinegar 2x week.
4. toothpaste: baking soda or sea salt (dissolved with a bit of water to keep it from scratching enamel)
5. mouth wash: coconut oil (also floss — see “oil pulling”)
5. lotion: coconut oil
6. sunscreen: coconut oil, bees wax, and zinc oxide powder. taken from this recipe: http://wellnessmama.com/2558/natural-homemade-sunscreen-recipe/
6.a. bug repellent sun screen: add essential oils of Citronella, Clove, Lemongrass, Rosemary, Tea Tree, Cajeput, Eucalyptus, Cedar, Catnip, Lavender, Mint (i usually choose 2-3, making sure that citronella is one).
7. deoderant: water, baking soda — we spray it on. works nicely. we also add essential oils to it. salt can also work in lieu of baking soda.
8. shaving cream/gel: honey, dish soap (for a bit of froth) and coconut oil (gives it a bit of glide)
10. make up — lip stain — beet juice (straight in a little roll on or added to home-made lip balm which is coconut oil and bees wax to make a stick) and mascara which is kohl and coconut oil.
I also eat the salt, honey, and coconut oil — so it goes into cooking as well!
Keeps it pretty simple around here, and we don’t have to repurchase containers. When we run out, we go to the bulk shop and refill them, which creates less waste.
It’s pretty nice. :)
Cheers!
YoungHouseLove says
Wow- that’s amazing! I love your resourcefulness! So inspiring!
xo,
s
cheep3r5 says
I am sure a bunch of people have already said this, but just in case…. the Got2Be is always available at CVS or Walgreens. I love “Concrete”.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the tip! We learned they repackaged it, so John must have walked right by it! Haha.
xo,
s
April says
When I was pregnant with our first child 3 years ago, I underwent a huge pairing down and organic-fying (yeah, that sounds like a word, right?) of our life. We went with California baby for our little one’s bath (*so sad they changed!* thank you for that update) and 7th Gen for our laundry (cloth diapers, yes!) and it was so freeing to have less taking up our space and having to think about. Simple and sane. I am with ya momma.
xoxo,
April
sara says
Cool products! I am the opposite of u sherry, I didn’t wear any makeup in high school or college and now at 28 I’m a product junkie haha. Not that bad but I do buy a new nail polish like every few weeks!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, too funny!
xo
s
Danielle @ paredownlookup.com says
Kudos to you guys on lightening the material load! The whole idea of paring down is the basis of my blog and represents a huge turning point for our family. It’s addictive – you start with letting go of extra bottles of shampoo and you end up letting go of extraneous toys, clothes, gear, jobs…
Shelly says
Just a heads up that I was in CVS today and they have $5 off all Physician’s formula cosmetics with your CVS card. Not sure if you were in need of anything. It’s this week only.
YoungHouseLove says
Wahoo! Thanks for the tip!
xo,
s
Megan says
I just bought some Zoya polishes after reading this. I love their colors (over 300!) and the fact that you can get “color spoons” to try them out before you buy — and get credited for the cost of the spoons for your next purchase! I’m also loving the fact that they’re free of toluene, formaldehyde, DBP (phthalates), too! I just wanted to give a heads up to others out there who are looking for “greener” options in their nail polish but don’t want to pay $8/bottle + S&H — Sally Hansen and OPI (both found at Target and other major retailers) are free of toluene, formaldehyde, DBP/phalates, too!! And I bought some Sally Hansen’s polish for $2.99! What a steal! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Love that!
xo
s
Monica says
Not to be weird and leave another post…
But I used to think make-up was the hardest to find that was natural and cruelty-free. I mean make-up? In it’s essence it has to be tested on animals. But there are great products! I like Tony Moly (yesstyle.com and on Amazon) which is about $15 on avg. I was surprised to find that Almay is on PETA’s safe list! So hurrah for drugstore brands making a difference.
YoungHouseLove says
So interesting!
xo,
s
Sonja says
I started using conditioner as shaving cream. Love it! What a great idea.
Leslie says
So behind on this comment but I just wanted to commend you on your simple life style! It’s really something I want/need to do but have just never gotten around to! Also – I have a random tip from someone who used to have where-is-my-chapstick?! meltdowns freqently…Palmer’s cocoa butter applied once in the morning, once mid-day and once at night is like a miracle! my lips are so much softer and never really feel dry!
YoungHouseLove says
Love that tip! Thanks Leslie!
xo,
s
Natalie says
I was just wondering what you ended up switching to for Clara for products? I am 7 months pregnant and was going to use the three products you suggested for my newborn, and did some looking into what you had said about California baby switching their formulas and found that a lot of people are unhappy with their new calendula cream. Did they switch the formula for their soap as well? As of right now I am registered for Burts Bees baby shampoo. Heard anything about that? I also looked into the Dr Bronners baby soap and it kind of sounded like it wasn’t a good idea for actual babies (more like it’s a super mild formula for adults) and I am scared of the fact that it doesn’t say tear-free. So, any recommendations for newborns for products? I don’t know what to do!
YoungHouseLove says
We went with Burt’s Bee’s Baby Bee Diaper Cream (not sure that’s the exact name, Clara’s in there sleeping so I can’t check, but it’s in a round pot and sold at Target). We’re not sure if they changed their soap formula. Anyone know? Maybe try google? There are also a ton of comments here on this post about what other people use and love so maybe that’ll help you find something new?
xo,
s
Heather says
Try vitacost.com for your products – you will find better deals on some of them there. Example: your conditioner is $11.12 for 32 oz, but $18.99 at Target!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Heather!
xo,
s
Jessica says
If you guys saw the drawers full of stuff in my bathroom (MY stuff, my bf only uses 1 drawer) you would flip. I have so much crap. You’ve inspired me, however, to find some time on Saturday to get this shizzle organized :)
LOVE the blog, I’ve been reading since the wedding post!
-Jess
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Jessica! Good luck this weekend!
xo,
s
Esther says
Question!! I tried reading through all the comments to see if it was already answered, but there were too many! Anyways, if it wasn’t this may be something that interests a lot of people – maybe even post worthy? Ok, I won’t go that far. I love love love the idea of organic/green toiletries and cleaning products. BUT. How on earth do you sort through all the brands and products claiming to be organic or eco or whatever, and figure out what are the issues that really matter in a given product, and which brands are actually legit? That’s what’s been stopping me from going full speed ahead with getting healthier products. Is there any objective organization that lists them or explains them all? How did you guys work it out?
YoungHouseLove says
Check out this site! It has the best rating system to look up any product and see if it’s low risk (very eco) or high risk (full of chemicals).
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/
xo,
s
Alex says
Do you have any issues removing the Zoya or Honeybee Gardens nail polish? I’m trying to decide which brand of “better for you” polish to try, but have read that a lot of the polishes are really difficult to remove.
YoungHouseLove says
Zoy is easier to remove and generally goes on smoother so it’s my favorite.
xo,
s
Ashley says
Sherry,
You might have already mentioned this but what do you use for eye makeup remover? Didn’t see it in your stash!
YoungHouseLove says
I just wash my face with Dr Bronners. It’s nice and mild and my skin seems to appreciate that!
xo,
s
Jess @ Crunchy Hot Mama says
You can also use olive or coconut oil to remove eye makeup. It’s handy and you don’t have to buy separate products. I recently went edible green and use EVOO for my eyes and coconut oil for ‘lotion’ on myself and baby girl.