In addition to using this space to update you on family life and ethical fashion, I am excited to announce that I've become a Beautycounter consultant.  I am passionate about the mission behind the company -- a mission that aligns with my own wellness philosophy.  

 my skincare journey 

I was eleven years old when I got my first pimple.  In the years that followed, more would appear.  Before I knew it, painful cystic bumps covered my entire face which began my never ending quest for something (anything!) that would work.  Long story short -- nothing did work, leaving me feeling helpless and defeated.  Many nights during my teenage years were spent crying to my mom about how I couldn't look at myself in the mirror, often lamenting about how unbearably painful the acne had become.  I was so desperate I went on accutane, not once, but twice, while in high-school.  It cleared up the painful cysts, but still I have annoyingly struggled with blackheads, whiteheads, and hormonal breakouts ever since.  My skin has always been sensitive and temperamental.  After years of trying what felt like everything, I finally found a regimen that not only clears my acne but gives me glowing, healthy skin.  You can view the entire list of products I use for my face in this post HERE. 

why beautycounter

Quite simply, I never want you to feel the way fifteen-year-old Emily felt.  I want you to feel beautiful. You matter.  And because you matter, your physical and mental health matters. Did you know that your skin is your largest organ? That means the products you put on your body get absorbed into your bloodstream.  Think about the number of foundations, creams, serums, and powders you put on your face -- have you ever thought about what is actually in those products?

Beautycounter provides skincare that is safe and effective.  What attracts me to this company is their transparency in this area.  After a lot of research, I realized the number of ingredients that are deemed "acceptable" for consumers are shockingly dangerous for your health.  Beautycounter's mission is to change this culture of skincare by banning over 1,500 questionable ingredients that are frequently used in typical beauty products.  Those that know me know that I am passionate about healthy living (and they also know I'm not perfect at it by any means...chocolate is like the fifth member of our family over here).  But I realized that if I care about what I put in my body, why wouldn't that translate to what I put on my body? 

Beautycounter checks all those boxes and then some.  I joined because the majority of natural skincare products did absolutely nothing for me and often times made my skin worsen.  I was skeptical when my friend Lisa sent me some samples to try, but I love trying new beauty products so I decided to give them a chance after my old stuff ran out.  And once I did I quickly realized that there is something very special about this company. I was so impressed that I immediately placed an order simply with the intention of being a consumer (staying as FAR FAR away from direct sales as possible).  You see, I'm an introvert in the strictest sense and never want people to feel like they are forced to buy a product from me.  Then Lisa said that I could get the products I loved for a substantial discount if I became a consultant, so after some thought and prayer I figured, why not? 

I decided to make the jump from consumer to consultant in order to put safer products into the hands of those I love.  I want you to know that I am loyal to you and value your presence here.  Therefore, I will only share products that I actually use and work. You have my promise that the products I recommend are products that I have been wholeheartedly impressed with.  I have gradually exchanged some of my skincare items for Beautycounter ones, but I still use various other products from other companies simply because I know they work for me. 

So that being said, I've added this Beauty section to my blog for the intention of giving you easy access to my website.  If I've sparked your interest and you'd like to try some products or place an order let me know! Just think of this new venture as us having a conversation between two girlfriends over ice lattes chatting about all the girly skincare things like lipstick and face masks ;)