My Master List

Disclaimer: I am not sponsored by any of these brands and am getting absolutely ZERO money for this post (lol I wish). I just live and breath by these products and companies. They have saved my wallet and have been crucial in supporting my overall health. *Everything is linked*

First things first: Home & Cleaning.

If you know me, you know I need my living space to have hospital-like conditions. I mean SO CLEAN it looks like nobody lives there. Whether you are psycho like me, or you just want to create a healthy home without sacrificing sustainability and affordability, LISTEN UP.

I swear by subscription model companies that have zero carbon footprint, quality ingredients, save me money, and are not just contributing to the cycle of consumerism. Here are some of my absolute staples.

Public Goods

Don't even get me started. I get all my cleaning products shipped to me every one to two months for under $50 - and I am talking a GIANT box. Their bottles are made from sugarcane and everything is sourced biodegradable alternatives to single-use plastic. All paper products are tree-free and for every shipment, they plant a tree. Their glass cleaner, paper products, lavender wipes, essential oil, spices, basil orange soap, detergent, and bathroom essentials are by far the most affordable and quality I have ever used.

Thrive Market

This is an online, $5/month membership-based market that gives you access to the best healthy products for discounted prices. All of the packaging and shipping is carbon-neutral and for each paid membership, one is gifted to a food-insecure family. All of their products (food, pantry, supplements, home, etc) are vetted for quality. I get ALL of my pantry items and frozen proteins from them because they have the best ingredients and prices. My go-to's are their sockeye salmon, flax crackers, avocado oil, condiments, and almond flour tortilla chips.

Zefiro Waste Chicago

This local Chicago company prioritizes sustainability, quality, and affordability (most products are under $10)! I love their bamboo brush set for my kitchen and their reusable face rounds.

Eucalyptus

I use Eucalyptus EVERYTHING. Essential oils (Public Goods has the best). Lotion. Shampoo. I freaking hang it upside down in my shower. This powerhouse plant will clear your sinuses, clean the air in your home, kill bacteria, and is super relaxing. Ever since I read how terrible conventional air fresheners are for our respiratory health (not to mention they last for .2 seconds), I starting diffusing eucalyptus oil in my apartment every single day. Obsessed.

Hume Supernatural

I want my apartment to smell good, but I also want my body to smell good. Look, I know natural/non-toxic deodorants are shoved down our throats, but none of them worked for me and all of them stained my clothes. Hume Supernatural saved me. "Desert Bloom" is the best smell (don't even think about getting "Amber Woods"). I apply once in the morning and don't have to reapply all day.

Elemental Labs, LMNT

Last but not least, LMNT. Okay people - this is stuff is everything. I am addicted, everyone I introduced this to is addicted, and you will soon be addicted. I was TERRIBLE about drinking water and had the lowest energy before using these sugar free, zero-BS, all natural electrolytes. The flavors are unreal, but my go-to's are the Citrus Salt, Grapefruit, and Watermelon. Pro-Tip: blend the Citrus with ice and tequila for the best skinny marg of your life. Whether you are hungover, tired, or just want to spice up your water, get them. If you get anything from this list, start with LMNT.

I do not fuck around with my skincare.

I have super sensitive skin and I have FINALLY gotten my routine down to a science - but let's get one thing straight: I know when and when not to splurge.

I live on a super tight budget (shout out to my peeps working two jobs and still looking fantastic), so I have done my research on which products are worth it.

Foaming Cleanser. This is important - do not break the bank. I spend $10 MAX on a generic drugstore brand. Avoid parabens and sulfates, but do not think for a second that you need a $50 cleanser to get the job done.

T.N Dickinsons Witch Hazel

My secret weapon and my first love. I have been using this stuff since middle school and keep coming back to it. I have tried the fancy toners and it was a complete waste of money. Look for the EXACT bottle in the graphic above - it is only in the First Aid section of the supermarket or CVS, not the skin section. It has to be 100% witch hazel (one ingredient, we love that) or it just feels sticky on the face. This bottle is $7 and will last forever. Unlike other astringents, this kills bacteria while moisturizing.

The Ordinary: Niacidamide

Another lifesaver for your face and wallet. I like The Ordinary because all of their products are under $10, most have 3 ingredients or less, and they WORK. Niacidamide is all the rage right now because it evens skin tone, texture, and prevents breakouts, but why spend hundreds on a serum with the same ingredients??

Indie Lee: Squalane Oil

When I splurge on skincare, I go-to is Indie Lee. All clean ingredients, great for sensitive skin, and everything comes in travel size. The best thing I ever did for my face in the moisture department was switch over from cream to oil. Indie Lee's 100% Squalane oil (another one ingredient wonder) is derived from olives and sugarcane & mimics our skin's natural oils so it doesn't clog pores, supports collagen production, and does not leave skin greasy. My skin has never looked so healthy and clear. The big bottle is $34 and doubles as a moisturizer & serum.

Supergoop Unseen Screen

SPF! The thirties are approaching and I am not letting sun damage get the best of me. I hate feeling greasy and chemical sunscreens are a big no. I only use zinc-based sunscreen because it fully blocks the sun and does not disrupt hormones. Think of the absolute best makeup primer and gel moisturizer you have ever used. Now add spf 40. I don’t even feel like this product is real life.

Juice Beauty Stem Cellular CC Cream My holy grail, the love of my life, and the daily essential I have gotten all of my friends hooked on. I use “Warm Glow” and use this instead of makeup. It is light coverage, but is loaded with antioxidants, hydrating ingredients, zinc spf, and I swear it makes my skin better each time I wash my face (unlike actual makeup that makes me look like a creature every time I take it off). Want more coverage for night? Saie Beauty Slip Tint is another incredible non toxic brand that improves the skin rather than just covering up.

Ilia Cosmetics

My top makeup brand for sure. Non toxic, moderate price range, blends like butter, and is they best for a day and night look. The Multi Blush Stick, Color Haze Multi Stick in “Waking up”, concealer, mascara, lip tints, and setting powder are so worth it.

Honorable Mentions

1. Now Foods: Monk Fruit Sweetener, Essential Oils

2. Stasher bags are ideal for pre-cut veggies and fruit fresh, nuts, and sandwiches that need to be tightly sealed. Not to mention they come in a variety of fun summer colors and sizes.

3. Kinto travel mugs and tumblers are great for insulated beverages that minimize plastic and have a sleek & stylish design.

4. Wallaroo Sun Hats: I love the "Kristy" hat, but they are all amazing, weatherproof, adjustable, and versatile.

Ahh, it felt good having this ~influencer~ moment. Hope this master list helps you look and feel your best while helping the planet and your bank account (: