The Best of Green Beauty 2017

December 31, 2017 (updated February 2, 2023) — Written by

kjaer weis red lipstick applied to woman with gray hair wearing a white and red shirt

Back by popular demand we are so excited to present to you our second annual Best of Green Beauty 2017 list! This was such a hit last year, that my girl Suzi from Gurl Gone Green and I had to do it again. Get ready for the best of the best.

We had three criteria when choosing products:

1. We had to love it.

2. It had to be clean (duh).

3. And of course above all it had to work- no compromises.

It’s easy to get lost in the sea of products these days – even with green beauty products. We wanted to bring you products that are tried and true and live up to the hype. We’ve both tried a ton of products in our day as bloggers and these are straight up standouts. Products we go back to again and again because they’re that good.

After all no one shouldn’t have to compromise when transitioning to green beauty. The game has changed friends and green beauty has got it going on!  We don’t feel like we’re sacrificing at all with these products. If anything they perform better than their conventional ones.

And if you like what you see here head over to my Instagram page for a chance to win ALL OF THIS!!! One lucky winner will be taking home this Best of Green Beauty MOTHERLODE and it could be you! We will be posting the giveaway today at 12:30 pm EST and drawing a winner later this week.

So without further ado, ladies and gentlemen, we present to you, in random order, the Best of Green Beauty 2017.

1) OSMIA Hand Soaps

Suzi: These hands soaps scream luxe! They are so beautiful you hardly want to use them, but then you smell them and you can’t help yourself. Bar soaps in the past could seem boring and old school but OSMIA has taken a simple bar soap turned it into a must have luxe product! The perfect gift anytime of year. My fave scent is the coffee mint!

Lisa: If you have an appreciation for artisan formulators who not only perfect their craft but take it to the next level with thoughtful packaging and presentation then look no further than OSMIA. Not only are these soaps handmade, they are formulated with organic, wildcrafted, conflict-free, top shelf ingredients. It’s not uncommon for a batch of OSMIA soap to adorn $1,000 worth or organic essential oils. AND these soaps are cured two weeks longer than industry standard making them dense and long lasting. Let’s just say my heart skips a beat every time I open a new bar. Suzi says her fave is Coffee Mint which I am dying to try. So far my fave is Milky Rose – it comes with rose petals on top.

2) Max and Me Oils Circle of Protection Body Oil

Suzi: Let’s just say the moment I used this oil I knew I was going to be hooked! This body oil is the best of the best. It comes in a dark bottle that helps preserve the oil. The smell is amazing, with notes of jasmine, rose and magnolia. My skin feels so hydrated but without the greasiness, just supple and smooth. I can’t get enough- already used up two bottles!

Lisa: Three words: Max and Me knows oils. I’ve tried several of their face and body oils and they are all out of this world. We chose Circle of Protection as our #1 pick but really, any of their body oils take skin nourishment to the next level. Smooth, fast absorbing, rich in color with a whisper of fragrance, this oil is frankly a stroke of brilliance. The base of Circle of Protection is a blend of certified organic Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil (oil expressed from the kernels of this African tree), wildcrafted Marula Oil and certified organic Musk Rose Seed Oil – scented with a blend of essential oils. Light, nutty and fruity, this oil will bring you to your knees.

3)AILA Beauty Better Than Gel Nail Polish

Suzi: This nail polish takes the cake when it comes to longevity. You put it on as a top coat after applying nail polish and be amazed how your manicure lasts! The kicker? It rates a 1 on EWG!

Lisa: I picked this up on a whim when I needed a new top coat and with no expectations I brought it to the salon for a mani/pedi. No joke, my pedi lasted a week longer than any pedi I’ve ever gotten. #truth And it’s cleaner than most nontoxic nail polishes!

4) Josh Rosebrook Hair Spray

Suzi: This is a staple and must have at all times in my beauty routine. It’s the best natural hair spray I’ve come across in green beauty- it works and works well! My hair is fine and thin and this doesn’t weigh my hair down but gives it a lift. I can even brush out my hair after using it the day before and my hair is even better! Did I mention this comes in a travel size bottle as well?! I stock up on both the full size and travel size. My hubs is even hooked too! Say hello to your new favorite!

Lisa: Let’s be honest. I don’t have to buy too many beauty products these days. But this gem!? I literally buy it for myself like 4x a year. I have curly hair so every time I wash + diffuse, I finish with Josh Rosebrook’s hairspray. No ifs, ands or buts about it. You can use it lightly to maintain volume and control fly-aways or layer it for a strong hold. This is hands down the best hairspray green beauty has to offer. And just when you thought the world couldn’t get any better, try and pick your chin up off the floor when you look at the ingredients and wonder how Josh can lock your waves into place using brown rice, yuca starch and glycerin (all certified organic of course).

5) MAHALO The Bean Antioxidant Mask

Suzi: This mask smells amazing and truly gives you a glow after using. It helps to even out skin tone more than any others I’ve used! It hydrates and detoxes but doesn’t dry your skin out. This mask instantly transports you to the island of Hawaii where it’s made by hand. The amount of dedication that goes into each batch is truly amazing! You won’t be disappointed!

Lisa: From start to finish the entire Bean experience is next level skincare. First, be still my heart with their hand carved glass-in-wood packaging. Next, raw + organic ingredients sourced from co-ops, biodynamic farms (as well as homegrown) are thoughtfully handcrafted in Kauai, Hawaii. This chocolate creamy mask will transform your skin. And I don’t say that lightly. I was converted the day it evened and brightened my sunburned cheeks and forehead. Best mask of the year right here!

6) Hush + Dotti Mascara

Suzi: This mascara is an all around winner. It gives my lashes separation, length and doesn’t come off during the day. Plus, no irritation at all! It gets better the more you use it too! The formula gets better after some air has gotten to it. Give it two weeks and you’ll have vixen lashes for days!

Lisa: I think every girl would agree with me. It’s a “lashes or bust” world and we are just living in it. Lashes tie a whole look together and Hush + Dotti does not disappoint. This formula lengthens like the best of ’em and with a couple of coats your will have va va voom volume that will stop anyone in their tracks.

7) Agent Nateur N°4 Holi(Rose) Deodorant

Suzi: This deodorant takes the cake for best natural deodorant. It goes on so smooth, no scraping your underarms anymore, it smells amazing and best of all- it works! I can put it on and get two days wear out of it- smelling fresh! I’ve had no irritation either!

Lisa: This deo does it all. Eliminates odor, goes on smooth and keeps me dry. Yeah I said it. This formula keeps me dryer than any other natural formula out there and not only does it eliminate odor, it actually makes me smell like roses. Oh and I used a whole stick without experiencing any irritation.

8) LIVE Botanical Honey Rose Cleansing Mask

Suzi: This mask is everything! I use it everyday in the morning to wake my skin up. I put it on when I’m brushing my teeth and then rinse it off after. It’s my cleanser and mask in one. It gives my skin a pick me up and glow for the rest of the day! The exfoliant in the mask isn’t harsh at all- which I love. Gentle enough to use everyday. Your skin will thank you! Did I mention it’s only $28?! Carolyn the founder really knows her stuff and takes great lengths to make sure the products are made with the best of the best.

Lisa: Suzi and I met LIVE Botanical formulator Carolyn at iBE Dallas and we were both so impressed with this up and coming brand. Her sourcing is crazy clean and her passion for formulating is palpable. But better than any of that is her Honey Rose Cleansing Mask. This mask exfoliates and cleans in two ways – with herbal grains (manual) and fruit enzymes (chemical). And it’s super versatile. You can use it as a mask and let it sit or you can use it immediately as a cleanser/exfoliator. Either way, get ready to GLOW girl!

9) Maya Chia Highlight of the Day

Suzi: This illuminating serum is a staple in my makeup routine. It instantly gives my skin a glow and lights up my whole complexion. I love the color After Hours, it wakes up tired skin and yet looks natural. I mix mine with foundation or just apply it on top.

Lisa: Anytime my makeup doubles as skincare, I’m in. But when it surpasses pro-lines in both performance and health….there’s nothing left to do but shout it from the rooftops! The Highlight of the Day comes in three “colors” and I love them all. Each brings a certain je ne sais quoi to my look. Love this formula for my cheek bones, Cupid’s Bow, bridge of my nose and if I want to get jiggy with it, a little mixed into my moisturizer for my décolletage too.

10) Kjaer Weis KW Red Lipstick

Suzi: This red lipstick is the quintessential red color for everyone. It’s a classic hands down. I love that with one swipe I can transform my look from ho hum to next level. The formula is so good too. It has a weighty feel for a lipstick formula and stays put on the lips all day. You’ll feel like a goddess carrying around this lipstick! The packaging is so chic too!

Lisa: This red looks good on both warm or cool skin tones and takes your look from subtle to bold in just a few strokes. If you’ve never found a red that works for you..look no further than KW Red. My favorite thing about this lipstick (okay I have two fave things) is it’s matte so it won’t move. It literally stays put all day and I love that I don’t have to worry about getting it on my teeth or it smudging onto my skin. I also love the packaging here. The lipstick tube sits heavy in my hand and is like a piece of jewelry for my bag. It’s also refillable so when you run out, you can stock up next time (or change shades) for almost half the price.

11) True Botanicals Nourishing Shampoo and Conditioner

Suzi: Want a natural shampoo and conditioner that makes your hair feel clean all the time? This is it! These are game changers when it comes to giving your hair the cleanest feeling possible. No more greasy hair from natural shampoos that don’t work! I have fine/thin hair and this works amazing for my hair. Lisa has thick curly hair and she loves it as well! Bottom line- it works all around! My hair has never felt cleaner using a natural shampoo- they nailed the formula.

Lisa: I looked far and wide, high and low and almost gave up on ever having that clean hair feeling again (sans toxins) until I met True Botanicals. Seriously. Not only does this shampoo clean my hair (like it truly CLEANS) but it also leaves my scalp moisturized and nourished. No itchiness or dryness from the winter season. This duo is my dessert island “must take with me” pick. True Botanicals also has a subscription option where you can select your items AND the frequency at which they are delivered AND you save 10%! Every 8 weeks is perfect for me and I adjust as I go because I don’t use conditioner as fast as I use shampoo.

12) Khus Khus Sans Age Face Serum

Suzi: This face oil is so soothing. I put it on my skin and it instantly absorbs, giving it a supple feel. No greasy residue left behind, plus I wake up with perfectly hydrated skin. A newfound fave! I love how calming this serum is too with the blue tansy helping to soothe skin. Say goodbye to redness and ruddy skin and hello to bright and even skin!

Lisa: I love KHUS + KHUS face serums. I’ve tried their Sans Age and Blossom and both are magnificent. Sans Age has the slightest blue tint to it and smells like Blue Tansy. Made with all organic + sustainably wild crafted oils and CO2 extracts, KHUS + KHUS doesn’t play when it comes to using only the best ingredients. I love how this oil makes my face feel: supple, plump and well fed.

By Lisa Fennessy

Lisa is the founder of The New Knew. Passionate about clean beauty, organic eats and nontoxic lifestyle, Lisa writes to create awareness. Conscious consumerism and informed decisions will impact the marketplace, our health and THE WORLD!

2 Comments

  1. Reply

    Jessica Marie

    Wow, nice THE BEST OF GREEN BEAUTY 2017. love your products

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