I did a lot of internet research and learned the natural beauty and personal care world is a lot of smoke and mirrors. There are many false claims on labels much like the natural food world. To find out which cosmetics are actually safe, my doctor pointed me in the direction of the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep Cosmetics Database. Apparently, it's the gold standard of product safety ratings. My doctor recommended I only use products rated between 0 and 3. The lower the better.

I narrowed it down to 100% Pure, which seemed like great options for one stop shopping for non-toxic makeup, hair products, and most other personal care needs (deodorant, shave cream, etc.).  
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100% Pure is My Favorite Beauty Brand for the Following Reasons:

1. Safety - Their whole claim to fame is safe, non-toxic, high quality ingredients. Also, the products are cruelty-free, vegan, and made in America. On Skin Deep all 100% Pure products are rated 0-3.   

2. Location - Many natural brands don’t have a brick and mortar store, There is a 100% Pure store not far from me where I live. I like to test makeup before I buy it.

3. Semi-affordable - Living a toxin-free lifestyle isn't cheap, but as I embark on this journey I must take into consideration the long term costs of putting toxins in my body. I will be saving in health care costs and I can't put a price on living vibrantly and pain-free. That being said 100% Pure is more expensive than drugstore brands, but less expensive than most department store brands.

4. Good reviews - Very few of the products available on amazon are rated below 4 stars.

5. Variety - The cosmetic line is only the beginning. 100% Pure has offers skin care, hair care, body care, even nail polish.

The product containers are so cute and made with recycled materials. Keep in mind most do not come with applicators or brushes. 100% Pure sells cruelty-free brushes that are not outrageously priced, but you can also use brushes you already have or buy ones that are more affordable.
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​When I looked at the ingredient list on my deodorant and read the warning, "consult doctor if you have kidney disease," I knew it was time for new deodorant.

Natural deodorants get a bad rap. People say they don't work, which is partially true. Most natural deodorants do not contain an antiperspirant. This is because preventing us from sweating takes chemicals. Chemicals, which I might add, are easily absorbed into the thin skin of our armpits.

I understand the importance of staying dry and I'm ever so lucky that I don't sweat very much (except for Lyme-induced night sweats). But sweating serves an important purpose--we sweat to get rid of toxins and as Lyme patients we need to detox. One thing I've read is that you sweat more if you use a traditional deodorant, so after a few months on the good stuff, you will start sweating less.

My research led me to Green Tidings All Natural Deodorant in Lavender Scent:

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​This stuff really does work. It's a stick deodorant, which is more comfortable to me than a spray or roll-on. I prefer the lavender scented version. The smell is amazing. I love unscrewing the container every morning for a whiff of spicy lavender. It goes on easily and doesn't leave marks on my clothes. I'm in month two of using it and no pit stains.

​Yes, it is pricier than other deodorants, but them's the breaks with all non-toxic products. Also, my stick is lasting longer than I've read in reviews.