Well, this doesn’t sound a lot like helping us find the joy of winter or how much fun it is to ski with your kids or a ski resort review. No, you’re right, it doesn’t!! But, I am really excited to expand Snow Happy and the topics we cover. As you know, I feel really strongly that we have a responsibility to protect where we play…as in the environment. A part of that is using cleaner, less toxic or non-toxic products on our bodies and in our homes. I am also believe that being “Snow Happy” means we are living our best life…the healthiest in mind, body and spirit.

So, on the website you’ll now see a brand new section on all things related to personal development, clean beauty and skin care, reducing our footprint, non-toxic household products and more all alongside travel stories, living and loving winter, skiing, and related product reviews!

Here’s a little more on the why.

As a mom, wife, friend, I want to protect the ones I love. I work hard everyday at living clean…staying active, feeding my family wholesome foods and making non-toxic cleaning supplies to clean our home. And I want to bring that to my community, too. Everyone should be afforded the knowledge to live their best life and that opportunity can start with me! 

My journey with using non-toxic, clean skin care products started in my early 20s. I was a young professional in DC, starting my career in health policy and trying to hang with these smart experienced colleagues of mine. All turned out in my new JCrew suit and killer heels, having troubled skin at this age and stage just did not fit! I was self-conscious, in-spite of my enthusiasm and drive to be successful. I had tried all the heavy hitting acne products to no avail whatsoever. My husband and I had already cleaned up our diets and our home (we were the youngest people at our Polyface Farm pick up location, getting our eggs and sustainable, grass-fed beef and pastured stewing hens and I was cleaning with vinegar and baking soda).

This got me thinking: If what we put in our bodies is so important what about what we’re putting on them? So, I turned to a natural facialist and started seeing her regularly. She told me from the jump, “I bet your acne and congested skin is related to all the preservatives and chemicals in whatever skin care products you’re using. And, she was spot on. I stopped using those things, cleaned up my skin care act and never looked back. 

I’ve been able to find skin care products I like at my local natural grocery stores, but I spend a TON of time reading ingredients. Finding high quality, luxurious, high performing clean make-up has been another story. And, between you and me, (and I’m sure you can relate), I want somebody to take the guess-work out of it for me to ensure the safety of the products my family uses. Enter, Beautycounter. 

Not only has Beautycounter committed to NOT using 1400 known harmful chemicals banned by the European Union, they are also committed to changing personal care product regulations in the United States (which is long overdue). In addition, they are a founding member of the Environmental Working Group Verified List. EWG reviews ingredients and rates them based on toxicity. Digging deeper, I learned, not only does this company care about the “what”, but the “how,” by taking great care to responsibly source ingredients. There is a lot of work to do, but Beautycounter is working tirelessly as a company and through others to shift this industry in a safer cleaner direction. This is something I am choosing to get behind for my own family and everyone and am proud to partner to promote their products!

You don’t have to compromise on quality for safety. Check the products you are currently using on EWG. If you don’t like what you see, I encourage you to reach out to me to learn more about Beautycounter and how skin care can be healthier for the whole family (men and kids, too!). Not only will it give you access to cleaner products, but every dollar spent is a vote across the board for cleaner beauty for everyone! There are lots of ways join me on this journey. It won’t be easy, but nothing worth doing ever is.

Now, you’re saying: “Where do I start?” Little by little. Here are some tips and amazing products that I love. Start with products that cover a lot of your skin like body soap and wash shampoo and conditioner (since they run down in the shower) and body lotions and creams, shaving cream, sunscreen. Here are some great alternatives:

• Body washes, bars and scrubs. If you like body wash, check out the Body Wash in Citrus Mimosa. Prefer a bar? For a deep detox, I love the Charcoal Bar. There is also a Citrus Mimosa bar.
• Lotions, butters, balms and oils. For all over, I recommend the Countermatch Body Lotion and the Melting Body Balm.
• When you and your kids spend a lot of time outside, sunscreen, sunscreen sunscreen!!! Beautycounter has a few great options, including a spray, lotion and stick.
• Beautycounter makes products for the whole family, including the kids! They have a full line-up of hair care, body wash and baby products.
• Hand Soap and Cream. Start with your main bathroom where you wash hands the most. Lovely for a guest bath and makes a great hostess gift!
• Shaving cream. In the men’s line, but great for everyone!

Making small changes can make a big difference! I would encourage you to read the labels of your current products that you use on your whole body and start there! Check the EWG List and Beautycouter’s Never List to see what’s lurking in your shower and under your sink!

And, if you’re ready to take a larger plunge, Beautycounter has a range of skin care regimens for every skin type. You can dive into the full line or buy separately depending on what you need. I started by buying piece by piece as my current products ran out. Here is the rundown:

• Countertime designed for dry aging skin.
• Countermatch for combination, sensitive or normal skin (it adapts to your skins needs).
• Countercontrol for oily and acne-prone skin (great safer alternative for teens)
• Nourishing for extra sensitive skin (if you use Cetaphil, the ingredients offer a safer alternative).
• Counterman, a line designed for men’s skin care and shaving needs.
• Counter+, spa-like add-ons like oils, masks, peels and balms.

Already taken these steps and need to clean up your make up? Here’s a great way to get started with the Flawless in Five set! It includes best-selling basics for a polished look. Or, purchase individual products as you run out!

I use the Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer, Lip Gloss, and Volumizing Mascara daily for a fresh, put together look! They are a great place to start.

Take your first step toward cleaner safer beauty today!! And if you are feeling overwhelmed, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. If you have any Beautycounter questions or need help selecting a product, feel free to send me an email: beautycounter@besnowhappy.com or  fill out this skin care survey here.

To join my Beautycounter Facebook group where I share product updates, tips and promos, click here.

Stay tuned for more Beautycounter related product reviews and how-tos. I will also be adding additional ideas on clean living!!

This article includes affiliate/commission links. But, here at Snow Happy, you can trust 1) we will only review and promote products we have tried, and 2) we will always be honest with you.