Hey everyone! We’ve been sooooo incredibly busy lately. We lost a friend due to domestic violence, and went on several trips, including Iowa and California. I’m an Alaska Native, but was raised in Iowa, so I always feel at home there. But the beach in Cali is my happy place- I feel like I can re-balance and center myself when we’re there. Neither one of us wanted to come back to Louisiana!
While on our trips, I was able to try out some skincare products from one of my fave natural brands- Ecco Bella. I like the idea of using effective products, that are also environmentally friendly. I’ve always had a “thing” for companies with a conscience. Mother Earth takes care of us, so we need to do the same for her.
Having been in the military, I’ve lived in several different places. I guess I always took nature and the environment for granted having grown up in Iowa. The DNR was VERY strict with littering- people would end up with large fines for littering tiny things, even cigarette butts (I know, gross, huh?). Thankfully, that was pretty rare, as Iowans have always cared about the land.
My dad was a huge nature enthusiast, I can’t ever remember a time when he wouldn’t rather have been outside, no matter the season. His idea of a fun time was to drive around the country, counting bald eagles, and “hunting” for asparagus. Yes, we had wild asparagus everywhere- and it was SO yummy! Dad died ten years ago, and I’ll always be grateful to him for instilling a love of nature and environment in me.
Back to having lived in many areas- I discovered that, sadly, not everyone seems to care so much about our environment. I’ve traveled through states and counties that are covered in litter, pollution, and all types of nasty stuff. I guess when I was growing up, I just assumed that everyone took our planet’s “health” seriously.
Wind turbines in central Iowa
We also need to keep in mind that we not only need to keep our environment clean, but ensure we use resources responsibly. In one of my undergrad environmental science classes, I did a project on alternative energy sources. It’s a source of pride for me that Iowa is a leader in wind energy. At first I thought all the wind turbines may look out of place, but they’re oddly majestic looking- quite the site to behold!
Back in my happy place!
On our recent trip to Cali, we went to a beach in Crystal Cove State Park. Since it was a protected area, there were strict rules prohibiting litter, and collecting stones, shells, plant life, etc. It was SO amazing to see such beautiful pebbles, rocks, and shells- since no one could take them, they were left in place for everyone to enjoy. The benefits of preserving nature and resources are endless.
Crystal Cove Beach
When it comes to environmental responsibility, it’s now become easier than ever to incorporate these ideals into other aspects of life, including skincare! Ecco Bella has formulated makeup and skincare products that are not only effective, but environmentally friendly, and cruelty-free.
The brand doesn’t test on animals, and they focus on natural ingredients that have been proven effective by science. The brand’s goal is sustainability and protecting the earth for animals and future generations. They even ask all suppliers to use biodegradable packaging!
I’ve been testing out Ecco Bella’s travel sized skincare kit, which came in super handy while on our trips! The products utilize the brand’s VitaminCells liposome delivery system. This allows nutrients and vitamins to stay protected until they’re activated by being dissolved in the skin. Furthermore, Ecco Shield, based on lutein and titanium dioxide, not only helps protect the skin from environmental aging, but blue light, as well as computer screen and indoor lights.
Natural Deep Cleansing Gel
The Natural Deep Cleansing Gel helps remove the day’s makeup and buildup of bacteria, while preventing problems such as breakouts. The cleanser is organic, naturally-preserved, gluten-free, vegan, and 55% organic. It’s suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and rosacea.
The formula is light and pleasant to use. It works well by itself and with the various sonic devices I tried it with. On days that I wear heavier makeup, I do a double, or sometimes even triple, cleanse, starting with an oil-based balm to remove makeup. Then I use the Ecco Bella cleansing gel, which removes every last trace of makeup and impurities, without stripping my skin of moisture. My skin is left fresh and clean, without any irritating dryness.
Mist-On Toner Vitamin Spray
The Mist-On Toner Vitamin Spray is an excellent multi-tasking product. It’s not only an awesome skin-balancing toner, but it’s great for setting makeup, too! I’ve even misted it onto my face after going for a run in the Louisiana heat.
The formula contains a cascade of VitaminCells to restore the skin with soothing aloe, apple cider vinegar, and organic herbs. It’s naturally-preserved, gluten-free, 70% organic, and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and rosacea.
Despite containing apple cider vinegar, this mist surprisingly doesn’t smell like it! It has a light, natural scent that’s pleasing, and dissipates quickly. The formula is refreshing, soothing, and the spray pump makes it convenient to use.
Natural Leave-On Invisible Exfoliant and Blemish Remedy
The Natural Leave-On Invisible Exfoliant and Blemish Remedy is another great multi-tasker- it helps exfoliate the outer layer of dead skin cells to diminish fine lines, as well as dries up blemishes quickly. The formula contains alpha hydroxy acid, as well as salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid, that’s oil-soluble, so it’s able to penetrate more deeply into the pores.
The result is a “rebirth of new skin” without having to resort to scrubbing, so it’s great for sensitive skin! The formula also delivers an infusion of VitaminCells and lactic acid to replenish and hydrate. Dead surface cells are cleared away to reduce bumps, roughness and blemishes. Skin is left hydrated and smooth.
The natural exofliant formula is naturally-preserved, water-free, gluten-free, vegan, and 60% organic. It’s appropriate for all skin types, including sensitive and rosacea. It has an unusual natural scent from the fruit acids, and tiny amounts of lavender, rosemary and geranium essential oils. The best part is that it can be used all over as an anti-aging treatment, or to spot treat blemishes. I’ve found this to be not so much a “dupe,” but a better (and more reasonably priced!) version of a fave product, so I’ll probably do a separate post on it- keep checking back!
Natural Age Antidote Day Skin Cream
The Natural Age Antidote Day Skin Cream helps shield the skin from stress, wrinkles, sun damage, and other environmental aging. The glow-getting powerhouse formula contains the brand’s Ecco Shield and VitaminCells to help prevent and repair the visible signs of aging. It’s easy to see why it was voted “Best Day Cream” by Natural Solutions Magazine!
The cream is housed in a lux glass pump bottle, so it’s protected from exposure to air and germs. It has a natural earthy scent that’s oddly soothing. The ingredient list is impressive, containing proven anti-aging heavy-hitters such as CoQ10, Vitamin C, DMAE, and hyaluronic acid, in addition to titanium dioxide and various botanicals.
As the formula does contain a few oils, I was worried it may be too heavy for my oily/combo skin for day time use. I was so wrong! I haven’t had any problems, even under makeup. It’s very hydrating, yet it still sinks right in, without leaving any heavy greasiness. To top it off, it’s naturally-preserved, water-free, gluten-free, vegan, 70% organic, and suitable for all skin types and yes- even sensitive and rosacea.
Natural Night Rebuilder Cream
Ecco Bella’s Natural Night Rebuilder Cream helps rejuvenate skin overnight. Powerful age-resisting vitamins, such as lutein, lycopene, astaxanthin, beta-carotene, CoQ10, Vtiamins C & E, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid, are time-delivered while you sleep. So, like the day cream, this is some powerful stuff!
Also like the day cream, the night cream has a natural, earthy scent. I don’t know quite how else to describe it- it’s comforting and not unpleasant. It’s housed in a convenient pump bottle that makes it easy to dispense the perfect amount. It goes on easily, and doesn’t feel heavy or “suffocating” like so many other night creams.
Again, this magical stuff is suitable for all skin types, even sensitive and rosacea. It’s naturally-preserved, gluten-free, vegan, and 55% organic. You can also use it during the day if you don’t need sunscreen, and want an extra powerful anti-aging boost.
I’ve been so pleased with the Ecco Bella skincare regimen. The strange thing is that it’s worked well in several environments- the humidity of the south, and the arid California heat, as well as the temperate Iowa weather. My skin looks and feels healthy, and I have a clean conscience!
If you’d like to try a fantastic brand that uses natural, sustainable ingredients as well as environmentally friendly practices, you should definitely check out Ecco Bella. Not only are they socially responsible and cruelty-free, but the products perform superbly! Head over to EccoBella.com NOW!!!
*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.
