Meghan McAndrews was the health and beauty buyer for the prized Mississippi Market Natural Foods Co-op in St. Paul before she got all fancy, became a magazine editor and started a blog. With these seven surprisingly luxe picks she proves that some of the best beauty prods can be found in your local natural foods store.
Spectrum Organics Unrefined Coconut Oil ($10) – A panacea for a myriad of skin and hair woes, organic coconut oil is one of the best bargains in the co-op beauty aisle. This lovely oil absorbs quickly into skin, deeply conditions hair and smells fantastic.
Eco-Dent ExtraBrite Dazzling Mint Tooth Whitener ($7) – Stranger: You have such white teeth! Do you get them whitened? Me: No. I use this tooth powder from the Wedge Co-op! Fact: I’ve had this exact conversation many, many, many times. I use this effervescent powder for one to two weeks, then switch back to my regular Crest for a month. With 200+ brushings in every bottle, it’s a total steal.
Veriditas Botanicals Essential Oils ($23) – Veriditas’ therapeutic-grade, organic essential oils have no peer. At my house, lavender essential oil is like a mama’s tender kiss—an instant fix for any ailment, including burns, cuts, cramps, blemishes, rashes, stress attacks, insomnia, bug bites and sinus congestion.
Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser ($30) – Rice flour, an underused, superbly gentle, natural exfoliant, is the star in this zesty facial cleanser. It’s a perfect product for folks looking for a “greener” version of the ever-popular St. Ives Apricot Scrub.
Pangea Organics Japanese Matcha Tea With Acai & Goji Berry Face Mask ($40) – This mask looks like mud and smells like dirt, but once you try it, you’ll be hooked. I leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes and before removing it with a steaming hot washcloth. Result: Baby-soft, glowing skin.
Dr. Hauschka Rosemary Leg & Arm Toner ($35) – A toner for your legs? Really? Yes. It’s like a personal trainer in a bottle. I slap it on my tired legs anytime I need a little pep in my step—like after a shift at my pal’s falafel stand. It also helps reduce the appearance of cellulite and varicose veins. So I’m told.
Galen Labs Natural Skin Care Rose Hydrosol ($19) – I file hydrosols in my “I don’t really need this, but it’s so nice to have” product category. A quick spritz of this authentically scented toner always puts me into a sweet, collected state of mind.
Filed Under: coconut oil, dr. hauschka rosemary leg and arm toner, eco-dent toot whitener, foxy falafel, meghan mcandrews, pangea organics matcha tea face mask, suki exfoliate foaming cleanser, veriditas essential oils
I’m newly addicted to Galen Labs Rose Hydrosol. After coming off a nice vacation and getting way too much sun, this hydrating Rose spritz freshens up my complexion and gives it a thirst quenching glow!
[...] when Elizabeth over at Beauty Bets asked me to do a little post about my top co-op beauty buys for her blog while she’s in Montana, I jumped at the chance. I’m excited to share some [...]
Been looking to start using more natural products……and already just bought the Eco-Dent whitener online, thanks to your post! Good info! Do you know of any other good brands of lavender oil that are cheaper?
Great list Meghan! Do you think that whitener is ok for sensitive teeth? It sounds fab!
Thanks for the nice feedback, gals!
Rebecca boo, yes, the Veriditas is pricey, but the bottle is big and it lasts FOREVER. I think there’s a smaller bottle, too, if you’re looking to spend less. The trouble with “cheaper” essential oils is that they can use bad quality ingredients, or worse, synthetics. Whatever you do, make sure that the lavender oil does not contain lavendin, which is like lavender, but does not have the same properties.
Jess, I think the powder would be OK for sensitive teeth, but I’m not 100 percent sure. It seems pretty gentle…Sorry to not be more helpful!
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Uptown Market, Foxy Falafel. Foxy Falafel said: @megacita Check it out! Lovely blog post on co-op beauty buys on Beauty Bets http://ow.ly/2lJv0 [...]
Do you know what the active ingredient is in the whitening toothpaste?
@Pat – According to the product description, the toothpaste contains baking soda, sea salt toothpowder, and the whitening power of peroxide. No dyes or sweeteners. All natural ingredients.
I watched your video for Suki and instantly googled where a close Whole Foods was. I found it, got in the car and went there specifically for that. I am so glad I did! I love it. My skin is so soft and smooth ( I am 43). I love the way it feels and how it works. I have to force myself not to use it everyday since I don’t live close to a Whole Foods. I am taking my friend to get some since she is an apricot scrub user and I keep telling her to stop doing that to her skin. I am sure she will be a lover of this product as well. I love your web site and watching you on TCL.
Thanks Elizabeth!
Thanks Jill! I love to hear all of the above (esp that you’re on her case about that ridiculously harsh scrub). If you don’t want to make the trip to WF, you can find Suki online at one of my favorite Twin Cities retailers,http://store.organicdivas.com/suki-lemongrass-cleanser.html