I’m so excited to share that I’ve been selected as a judge for the 10th annual Clean Beauty Awards with CertClean! It’s an honor to be part of this incredible milestone and contribute to recognizing the best in clean beauty.

My gift guide for 2025 is HERE

Wow, what an experience! I’ve just finished the body wash testing portion of judging for the 10th Clean Beauty Awards, and I’m buzzing with excitement about some of the products I’ve discovered. It’s been such a privilege to dive deep into so many different formulations and really get a feel for what’s out there in the clean beauty body wash world.

Body Bar – Sans Savon: A Surprisingly Solid Performer

I’ve been on a quest for gentler body cleansing for a while now, as my skin can be a bit… dramatic. Dryness, occasional itchiness, you know the drill. So, the Body Bar – Sans Savon caught my eye. The “sans savon” (soap-free) claim was intriguing, and the minimalist packaging appealed to my aesthetic. I’ve been using it for a few weeks now, and here’s my honest take:

What I Loved:

• Gentle Cleansing: This is the star of the show. It truly is gentle. My skin feels clean after using it, but not stripped or tight. It’s a noticeable difference from traditional soaps that leave my skin feeling like the Sahara Desert. This alone is a huge win for me.
• Minimal Ingredients: I appreciate the short and simple ingredient list. It gives me peace of mind knowing I’m not putting a bunch of questionable chemicals on my skin.
• No Scent: While I sometimes enjoy a light fragrance, I often find scented products irritating. The absence of any added fragrance in this bar is a plus. It just smells… clean.
• Lathers Surprisingly Well: Despite being soap-free, it creates a decent lather, which I find satisfying. It’s not a super bubbly lather, but enough to feel like you’re actually cleansing.
• Travel-Friendly: The bar format is perfect for travel. No messy liquids to worry about leaking in your suitcase.

What I Didn’t Love:

• Slightly Soft: The bar seems to soften a bit faster than other bars I’ve used. This means it might not last as long, which contributes to the higher cost. I’ve started keeping it on a well-drained soap dish to try and prolong its life.
• Not Quite Moisturizing Enough (For Me): While it’s definitely not drying, I still need to follow up with a moisturizer after showering. I was hoping it would be a bit more hydrating on its own, but my skin is just super dry, so this might be a personal issue.

Final Verdict:

Overall, I’m really happy with the Body Bar – Sans Savon. It’s the gentlest cleanser I’ve found so far, and it’s made a noticeable difference in how my skin feels. While the price and the slightly soft texture are drawbacks, the benefits outweigh the cons for me. If you have sensitive or dry skin and are looking for a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser, I’d definitely recommend giving it a try. You can try and buy it on AMAZON here

Lavender Alkanet Artisan Soap – Balcony Botanicals: A Soothing Ritual

Let me preface this by saying I’m a sucker for anything lavender. The scent instantly relaxes me; I’ve been incorporating it into my bedtime routine for years. So, when I stumbled upon Balcony Botanicals’ Lavender Alkanet Artisan Soap, I knew I had to try it. And let me tell you, it hasn’t disappointed me.

The Experience:

From the moment I unwrapped the bar, I was charmed. The soap itself is a beautiful, almost ethereal purple, thanks to the alkanet root. It’s not a harsh, artificial purple; it’s a soft, muted lavender shade that feels natural and calming. The scent is exactly what I hoped for – a true, authentic lavender aroma. It’s not overpowering or perfumey; it’s the kind of subtle, soothing scent that makes you want to close your eyes and take a deep breath.

Using the soap is a sensory experience. It lathers beautifully, creating a creamy, luxurious foam that feels so good on my skin. It’s not drying at all, which is a huge plus for me, as I tend to have dry skin. After my shower, my skin feels clean, soft, and lightly scented with lavender. The scent lingers subtly, just enough to be calming without being overwhelming.

Beyond the Scent:

What I appreciate most about this soap is the obvious care that goes into it. It’s clear that Balcony Botanicals uses high-quality ingredients. Knowing that it’s handcrafted and made with natural ingredients makes me feel good about using it. It’s a small indulgence that elevates my daily shower into a little ritual of self-care.

A Few Minor Considerations:

• Longevity: Like most natural soaps, it doesn’t last as long as a mass-produced bar. I’ve found that keeping it on a well-drained soap dish helps prolong its life.

Final Thoughts:

Balcony Botanicals’ Lavender Alkanet Artisan Soap has become a staple in my bathroom. It’s more than just a soap; it’s a little moment of peace and tranquility in my day. If you’re a lavender lover or simply appreciate high-quality, natural soaps, I highly recommend giving this one a try.

My gift guide for 2025 is HERE

Char Goals Everything Bar Cleanser – Mil Usos: My Skin’s New Best Friend

Let’s be real, finding the one cleanser is like dating – a lot of frogs before you find your prince (or princess!). I’ve tried everything from high-end department store brands to drugstore staples, and my skin (combination, prone to breakouts, and occasionally dramatic) has thrown a tantrum with most of them. Then, I stumbled upon the Char Goals Everything Bar Cleanser from Mil Usos, and honestly, it’s been a game-changer.

The Good Stuff (and There’s a Lot):

• Truly Everything: The “Everything Bar” name isn’t just marketing hype. I’ve used this on my face, body, and even to remove my (light) makeup, and it performs beautifully across the board. It simplifies my routine, which is a HUGE plus.
• Charcoal Magic: The charcoal in this bar is like a magnet for impurities. My skin feels noticeably cleaner and clearer after using it, and I’ve seen a definite reduction in breakouts. It’s like a mini-facial every time I wash my face.
• Gentle Giant: Despite the deep cleansing action of charcoal, this bar is surprisingly gentle. It doesn’t strip my skin or leave it feeling tight and dry. It actually leaves it feeling balanced and hydrated (for my combination skin, at least).
• Goodbye, Irritation: My skin is sensitive, and a lot of cleansers make it freak out. Not this one. It’s fragrance-free and formulated with soothing ingredients, so it calms my skin rather than irritating it.
• Sustainable and Sensible: I love that it’s a bar, reducing plastic waste. Plus, the packaging is minimal and recyclable. Bonus points for being cruelty-free!

The Not-So-Perfect (But Still Pretty Darn Good):

• Slightly Soft: Like most natural bars, it can get a little soft and mushy if you don’t keep it on a well-drained soap dish. This can make it dissolve faster, so proper storage is key.
• Can Leave a Slight Film (Sometimes): If I use it to remove makeup, I sometimes notice a very slight residue. It’s easily removed with a toner, but it’s worth mentioning.

Final Verdict:

The Char Goals Everything Bar Cleanser has earned a permanent spot in my skincare routine. It’s effective, gentle, and multi-purpose, which is exactly what I look for in a cleanser. While the price and softness are minor drawbacks, the benefits far outweigh the cons. If you’re struggling with breakouts, have combination skin, or just want a simple, effective cleanser that’s good for your skin and the planet, I highly recommend giving this one a try.

Coconut + Neroli Kaleidoscope Bar Soap – Buck Naked Soap Company: A Tropical Escape in My Shower

Let me tell you, I’m a sucker for a good-smelling soap. Not the overly perfumed, artificial kind, but the kind that transports you somewhere else, even if just for a few minutes in the shower. Buck Naked Soap Company’s Coconut + Neroli Kaleidoscope Bar Soap does just that. It’s like a mini-vacation to a tropical paradise, and I’m here to tell you all about it.

First Impressions:

The name “Kaleidoscope” is fitting. The bar itself is a swirl of vibrant colors, a feast for the eyes. It’s almost too pretty to use! But the real magic happens when you bring it to your nose. The scent is intoxicating – a perfect blend of creamy coconut and bright, floral neroli. It’s sweet but not cloying, fresh and uplifting, and instantly puts me in a good mood.

The Lather and Feel:

This soap lathers beautifully. It’s a rich, creamy lather that feels luxurious on the skin. It’s not overly bubbly, but it’s enough to feel like you’re getting a good cleanse. And the best part? It doesn’t dry out my skin! I have combination skin that can be prone to dryness, especially in the winter, but this soap leaves my skin feeling soft and hydrated.

The Scent Experience:

The scent of this soap is the real star of the show. It lingers subtly after my shower, leaving me with a light, refreshing aroma that I can catch whiffs of throughout the day. It’s not overpowering, but it’s definitely there, and it makes me feel happy and relaxed. It’s the perfect scent for a morning shower to energize me or an evening shower to wind me down.

The Not-So-Perfect (But Still Pretty Great):

• Longevity: Like most natural soaps, it doesn’t last as long as a mass-produced bar. I’ve found that keeping it on a well-drained soap dish helps, but it still tends to disappear faster than I’d like.

Final Thoughts:

The Coconut + Neroli Kaleidoscope Bar Soap from Buck Naked Soap Company is a treat for the senses. It’s a beautiful, fragrant, and gentle soap that makes my daily shower feel like a luxurious escape. While the price and longevity are minor drawbacks, the pros definitely outweigh the cons. If you’re looking for a high-quality, natural soap that smells amazing and leaves your skin feeling soft and hydrated, I highly recommend giving this one a try.

Calming Lavender Bar Soap – Scentuals: From Stressed Mess to (Slightly) Less Stressed Mess

Okay, let’s be real, “calm” is not a word usually associated with my life. I’m more of a “mildly panicked with occasional bursts of frantic energy” kind of gal. So, when I saw Scentuals’ Calming Lavender Bar Soap, I thought, “Hey, maybe this will be my gateway to serenity.” Spoiler alert: it hasn’t turned me into a zen master overnight, but it has made my shower a much more pleasant experience.

The Lavender Love:

First off, the scent. It’s legit lavender. Not that fake, grandma’s-attic lavender, but the real deal. It’s like walking through a lavender field in Provence, minus the bees and the questionable tan I’d inevitably get. Seriously, just sniffing the bar is enough to make me feel slightly less like I’m about to spontaneously combust from stress.

The Suds Situation:

This soap lathers up nicely. It’s not a crazy, bubble-mountain situation, but it’s enough to make me feel like I’m actually getting clean. And it doesn’t leave my skin feeling like it’s been through a desert windstorm, which is a major win. My skin actually feels soft and hydrated after I use it, which is a miracle considering how dry it usually is.

The “Calming” Effect (aka, Does it Actually Work?):

Okay, here’s the honest truth. This soap isn’t going to magically erase all your anxieties. If you’re expecting it to solve all your problems, you’ll be disappointed. However, the scent is definitely relaxing. It’s like aromatherapy in the shower. It’s a little moment of peace in my chaotic day, and honestly, that’s worth it for me. Think of it as a mini-meditation session, but with soap.

The Not-So-Perfect (But Totally Understandable):

• Melts Faster Than My Patience: Like most natural soaps, this one melts faster than I’d like. I’ve learned to keep it on a well-drained soap dish to try and prolong its life, but it still disappears quicker than my motivation to do laundry.

Final Verdict: Look, this soap isn’t going to solve all your problems, but it will make your shower a more enjoyable and relaxing experience. The scent is divine, it cleanses gently, and it’s made with natural ingredients. If you’re looking for a little bit of calm in your life (and you’re willing to pay for it), I highly recommend giving this soap a try.

My gift guide for 2025 is HERE

Rosemary Mint Body Wash – Scentuals: A Zesty Start to My Day (with a Few Tiny Tweaks)

Okay, ladies, let’s talk body wash. Finding one that’s both natural and effective can feel like searching for a unicorn. I’ve tried a ton of them, and many have either smelled like grandma’s potpourri or left my skin feeling drier than the Sahara. So, I had high hopes (and a little skepticism) when I picked up the Rosemary Mint Body Wash from Scentuals. Here’s my honest, personal, and very feminine take:

The Good Vibes:

• The Scent is Everything: This isn’t your typical, overly sweet mint. The rosemary adds a beautiful, herbaceous depth that’s incredibly invigorating. It’s like a mini spa treatment in my shower. Seriously, the aroma wakes me up in the morning and makes me feel so refreshed.
• Natural Goodness: I’m all about clean ingredients, and Scentuals delivers. Knowing this body wash is natural and organic gives me major peace of mind. I don’t have to worry about putting a bunch of questionable chemicals on my skin.
• Gentle Cleansing: This body wash cleanses effectively without stripping my skin’s natural oils. My skin feels clean and soft after showering, not tight or itchy. That’s a huge win for me, as I tend to have dry skin.
• Packaging: The bottle is simple and elegant, and I appreciate that it’s made from recyclable materials. It looks nice in my shower, and I feel good about supporting a brand that cares about sustainability.

The Not-So-Perfect (But Totally Manageable):

• Lather: The lather is… well, it’s there. It’s not a super foamy, bubbly lather like some conventional body washes, but it’s enough to get the job done. Honestly, I’ve come to realize that super foamy lather isn’t always necessary for cleansing, but it’s something to be aware of if you’re a bubble enthusiast.
• Pump Can Be a Little Finicky: The pump on my bottle sometimes requires a few presses to dispense the product. It’s not a major issue, but it can be a little annoying when I’m in a hurry.

Final Thoughts:

Overall, I’m really impressed with the Rosemary Mint Body Wash from Scentuals. The scent is absolutely divine, and it’s made with natural and organic ingredients, which is important to me. While the lather isn’t super abundant and the pump can be a little finicky, the pros definitely outweigh the cons. It’s a luxurious and invigorating body wash that makes my daily shower feel like a treat. If you’re looking for a natural body wash that smells amazing and leaves your skin feeling soft and clean, I highly recommend giving this one a try.

I can’t wait for the awards to be announced and for everyone to discover these gems. It’s been a truly rewarding experience, and I’m so grateful to be a part of the 10th anniversary of the Clean Beauty Awards!

My gift guide for 2025 is HERE