Sure, coffee is the traditional get-up-and-go, it contains beneficial antioxidants, but, for some, it’s a cup of anxiety. Coffee doesn’t actually provide energy, the caffeine just stimulates your adrenals, causing that jolt everyone seems to crave. But when you get that jump, in conjunction with the potential morning stressors, it can sometimes make you boil over.

You’re reading your email and find that you shoulders are tightening, you’re taking audible breaths, maybe even feeling a tinge of anxiety...this all could be caused by fight-or-flight and/or too much adrenaline, which could eventually result in adrenal fatigue. Adrenal fatigue is a tricky one to come back from because it actually causes you to feel exhausted and lethargic and in order to reconcile your tired adrenals, you’re required to stop caffeine altogether! (Reaching this point usually means coffee/ caffeine doesn’t have its usual kick to get you out of your slump anyway.)

This topic is very familiar for me because, typically, I know that coffee is too much for my system. Depending on the day, it can even trigger an anxiety attack and the unfavorable shakes. I love the taste of coffee, particularly fair-trade organic options that are roasted evenly, so that they don’t harvest mold (a popular issue with coffee beans). I also try to find low-acid options, but even all of those upgrades still don’t change what coffee can do to your adrenals. For me, I start to see the effects of it on my face and, unfortunately, I’m the type of person who sometimes requires signs of visible distress in order to finally put a stop to unsupportive behaviors.

So, the alternatives! Weirdly enough, most people respond much differently to the caffeine found in tea. Some of this has to do with the fact that different types of tea contain different volumes of caffeine (some herbal is caffeine free, white tea usually contains the least, green tea lies in the middle, and black tea yields the highest amount of caffeine, along with green matcha). Also, caffeine has a variety of different strains so, some can be more steadily processed by the body. (Bulletproof coffee claims to have that as one of its perks...not causing you to peak and crash.)

Experimenting with different teas can have a variety of perks. Most boast loads of health benefits and you’re able to access your inner medicine woman, seeking certain types for your particular ailments. During my sister’s pregnancy, I found a way to amp her protein intake (my mom says it’s so important because you’re building a baby brain) by making her hemp mylk lattes with an assortment of different herbal teas. It’s super simple and so delicious. Hemp is an amazing source of protein, containing a whopping 10 grams per tablespoon! That’s about as much as a large hard boiled egg. Hemp also contains the oh-so-healing omega-3 fatty acids, along with fiber and other vitamins and minerals.

To make a hemp mylk latte, your first step is to brew a cup of tea...I like to steep mine a little longer since you’ll be dilluting it with the mylk. In a blender, add a tablespoon of hemp seeds to approximately 1/4 cup of hot water. I like to add pure stevia (like Sweet Leaf) or a little bit of raw, organic, local honey. If you have vanilla bean, cinnamon, collagen protein, or any other health boosters, those are great add-ons too! Last, BLEND. (It also works to pour your brewed tea with the desired ingredients and blend, but you just want to make sure all of the little hemp seeds are blended fully to reach the desired smooth/ creamy consistency.) Once it’s complete, this tea even has a nice froth to it so, you’re not missing a thing!

Another great option is a blended, chilled matcha latte shown below! Not only is matcha delicious, it also comes with a barrel of health benefits!

Note: I DO still drink coffee, but never more than 2 cups a day. I am also very careful to take an inventory of how I’m feeling and what I’m taking on that day. If it’s a particularly stressful time, I just avoid it. I also never drink coffee before a flight or speaking engagements because those already make me nervous so, pouring some adrenaline on that would not be supportive!

Living in LA and being pretty plugged in to all things "wellness", I have the fun opportunity come across some PRETTY unique health trends! (Food, drink, cleanses, shots, diets, detoxes...you name it.) Many of them are great in theory, BUT they can also be tedious and/or very pricey!

Recently, I noticed a special for a celery juice detox at Pressed Juicery. If you're unfamiliar with Pressed, it was definitely responsible for creating the re-emergence of the juice trend. In 2010, they created a very successful business offering a variety of body-boosting juices and shots, also offering a delivery subscription service to locals. While I love Pressed Juicery, I don't personally subscribe to their juice delivery/ pick-up. On one hand, I LOVE them because they are responsible for also creating my very favorite lifestyle website for the past 6 years, The Chalkboard Mag. This website sparked something inside of me and led me to where I am now. Another pro about the company is that one of the owners also graduated from my school, IIN! Why I don't personally buy their subscription service for juices is because it can be quite pricey and, unfortunately, the produce isn't organic. Now that the back story is out of the way...

Even though I am a huge fan of making celery-based soups, knowing their amazing detoxifying powers, I kind of thought the only reason for marketing JUST celery juice could really only be a smart business move/ margin builder because celery is SO inexpensive, EVEN organic. So, I decided to do a little more research and there is a reason why it's so effective...even just containing one super veggie! I've said it before, but since I don't think it's worth the time re-writing what's already been well written, HERE are the full list of benefits from one of my favorite health sources! Not only have I enjoyed this morning ritual and feel truly amazing by doing so (clearer skin, more energy, flat stomach), I have now gotten quite a few people on this bandwagon who have expressed experiencing benefits including: increased clarity, relief from achy joints, quickly reduced cold symptoms, more effective elimination, etc. 

So, if you've been considering implementing a new form of self-care, consider giving this one a shot! They say try it for 5-7 days to really benefit, but many who start don't want to stop!
Really, the only rule is try drinking it in the morning, on an empty stomach, so that you can reap the full alkalizing benefits.  If you don't have a juicer, you can also chop the celery and add to a blender and strain through a fine mesh strainer or cheese cloth (to reduce the fibrous pulp). 

IF you do decide to give this a try, please share your questions and/or experience in the comments below! 

Going through the notes on my phone, I recently realized how many "note to self" drafts I have...so, I figured I'd share one! This is from late 2016-- (I honestly don't remember writing half of them).

Most people subconsciously associate eating indulgent foods with moving away from pain.
(Or, in other words, a common solution to upset, discomfort, boredom, discontent, loneliness is eating...and,  usually, not the healthiest food.)    
BUT participating in this behavior can usually result in the very opposite outcome because most likely, you're choosing food that can cause inflammation, create imbalance, and dilute your ability to feel good— causing pain. 

At the end of the day, what feels good to you? What leads you to make one positive decision after another? Once you've found your life's purpose, do what's required to reinforce what is needed to keep showing up each day at your very best caliber. Make sure you're on it! And doing what it takes!!!!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ​- - - 
Don't just go with the flow, go with YOUR flow! Gently enforce (or firmly command) change. By sitting back and letting other people lead, you are essentially giving the blind a steering wheel, leaving you haphazardly along for the ride. 
"Maintaining an open mind is essential when exploring the unknown, but allowing one's brains to fall out in the process is inadvisable." - Dean Radin
 

It takes time and effort to take care of your body. No argument here! But it’s incredibly important to find time to exercise. The benefits of exercise are too important to ignore.
 
Yet most of us are too busy to even make time for what we WANT to do, let alone find time to create new, healthy habits. It’s not exactly relaxing to start a new exercise routine when you’re already exhausted from work.
 
Thankfully, there are lots of ways to fit exercise in without having to go to the gym every single day. Doing the same thing day in and day out can get boring, and habits we find boring aren’t habits we’re likely to keep up forever.
 
Here are six great ways to sneak exercise into your daily routine. Each tip is tested for sustainability, and will make exercise a lot more fun than those one-size-fits-all routines you’ve probably tried in the past.
 
1. Rethink your seating. At your workplace, do you sit in a normal office chair? If so, consider shifting to a standing desk, which exercises your leg muscles much more actively than you would while sitting passively. Even sitting on an exercise ball forces your core muscles to activate, helping your body exercise to keep itself stable. It may not seem like much, but those efforts stack up to greater muscular strength over time.
 
2. Rethink your commute. If you’re in a position where you can walk or bike to work, that can be a start to your day that’s both active and relaxing. You’ll walk into the office centered from the movement and time spent listening to your own thoughts. Even doing exercises based around sitting can add up. Some shoulder flexion action during the morning traffic jam can go a long way toward preventing stiffness and tightness in the body.
 
3. Do what you’re a fan of. Love watching Dancing With The Stars? Take up ballroom dancing or even Zumba. Building your dream team during spring training? Try a few drills that the players are doing next time you’re at the field. By building upon what you already love, you’re setting the stage to have a lot more fun than doing exercise you “have” to do.
 
4. Recruit your friends. Ever hear the saying, “The more, the merrier?” It applies to fitness, too! Grab a friend or two for a hike, jog, bike ride, or leisurely stroll. You’ll find that the time flies – and you might even find yourself looking forward to your next excursion!
 
5. Don’t punish yourself for low activity. The body adapts to activity levels, but it also loves resting. Even if you just stretch your body during commercial breaks, keeping your body from growing sedentary is a very good thing. So keep it going to see benefits! You’ll never regret exercising, even if it feels like “not enough.”
 
6. Look for fitness classes close to work or home. Because my LA commute is so lengthy, finding time to get a solid workout in before or after work is very difficult. So, my current solution: find time in the middle of my workday! I took it upon myself to find something compatible with my time restraints and close to my office so that I can go during my lunch break. I have been taking Barre for a little over two weeks-- which is ABSOLUTELY out of my comfort zone, but I am able to get a full body midday boost. I have these great biodegradable cleansing wipes that allow me to freshen up quickly, change, get back to work, and eat a prepared lunch at my desk! 
 
How do you make sure you get enough exercise? How do you make your exercise work in your routine? Share your experience in the comments!

The extended title of this post should really be "Sick and Tired of Resolutions? Here's How to Change the Game with a Clean Slate...and Quit Being Sick AND Tired, Literally!" But that's entirely too long...but too perfect not to share : )

So, it's slightly stereotypical for a lifestyle/ health coach to use this time of year to really hone in on the topic of self improvement, but because it's SUCH a buzz around the New Year, I can't help but chime in!

I have had family, friends, clients, and social media followers come to me saying they’re doing the ______ diet. They either share because they want to know my thoughts, want to "school" me, they're having success, OR (and this is the most common) they want to vent and are discouraged with it. And while I think these “diets” are a great way to weed out some of the common inflammatory foods-- diets like Keto, Atkins, the Zone, Paleo, Whole 30, Bulletproof, etc. I urge you to do your own research. No, I don't mean via Google because you'll quickly get overwhelmed and realize a lot of these popular dietary theories contradict one another. I mean, do your research via trying it and checking in with your body!

As a species, humans have unique bodies, lifestyles, genes—which makes individuals require different things! Some people might actually thrive on certain kinds of dairy, while others could experience a wide array of issues. The other important factor is to recognize your upbringing, the foods you were raised on, maybe the personal and emotional struggles you could be going through.

Frequently, people want to simplify healthy eating by counting CARBS, SUGAR, FAT, and even SODIUM… unfortunately, these aren’t as simple as people want to make them. Not all forms of carbs, sugars, fats, and sodium are created equal. Learning that your body processes these things differently is HUGE. A half of a bagel has approx 24 grams of carbohydrates and 3 grams of sugar. A cup of sweet potato has 27 grams of carbs and 6 grams of sugar... so, if we were to follow the silly standard of counting the grams, one would assume the baked good consisting of yeast and processed flour is a better option, right? False. You have to consider the type and quality of the food you eat. The quality of it makes all of the difference on how your body metabolizes it and the overall impact it has on your body.

I have no real issue with popular diets like Whole 30 because I think it has sparked something in some people which results in LONG TERM health…but that’s some people....like a rare unicorn minority. With those diets, you see results after the 30 days, but my question is what is going to insure you keep up with it if you haven’t processed why you were eating imbalanced in the first place? OR why have you maybe tried losing weight but still feel bloated after some meals? So, this is where my services come in. Many people can follow a base of dietary guidelines, improve their body, and never look back, BUT I'm talking to the majority out there. It's taken me years of trial and error to figure out what foods support me and which ones that don't (some of them are even healthy foods) AND, the whammy, why I was totally addicted to forms of sugar and where my dependency rooted from. I would never be able to continue feeding myself supportive foods and stay on the straight and narrow for the past 5 years now unless I truly knew why I was tempted to indulge and dabble in behaviors that aren't supportive of me thriving and how I could change. This isn't exclusive to food, but ALL of your habits.

This is why I came up with The Clean Slate Elimination Detox. It's a super simple, step-by-step guide to pinpointing potential food intolerances, allowing you to also learn about healthy foods you may have yet to explore, AND ways to practice self-care and other positive behaviors.
While it does require discipline-- you will be eliminating the top 9 foods that people are commonly sensitive, allergic, or are intolerant to-- you will have the opportunity to slowly add these foods back into your diet to just SEE how you feel, before and after. While slimming down isn't necessarily the goal, it's usually a happy side effect! So, not only will you reap the typical benefits to eating clean for 38 days (feel lighter, brighter, clearer) you will also be empowered to fully pinpoint and eliminate the foods that aren't supportive of your unique body and may make you feel pregnant, sleepy, achy, or swollen after a meal.

I do have to say, it IS possible to NEVER diet another day in your life! I never thought that would be possible in my world because I have always been a foodie. So, while this detox is a lovely time for self awareness, health, and insight, I am not saying you will be forever changed (just like the other diets I mentioned above) UNLESS you get to the bottom of it all. For more information on what I'm talking about click here to read a related post and here to watch a detailed video!

Okay, onto the exciting part...

Click here to find out what the Clean Slate Detox Program includes!

So, I have to go ahead out "out" myself. Particularly because of the last few blog posts. Not only were they posted in MAY, they were also on the topic of self-care. While that has continued to be a running theme in my life, I have to confess that I haven't earned many gold stars in this area as of late. I could definitely get gold stars for worrying about not getting enough self-care, but actual implementation: nope.

When I moved from Oklahoma to LA, I felt like I was in a storm/ time warp/ twilight zone/ hell. I was very consciousness that this time of my life would bring inevitable stress, but trying to alleviate it sort of felt like trying to meditate and get in enough exercise while there was literally and figuratively a flood happening. Everything that I knew well-- every routine, familiar face, my grocery store, squeezing my nieces (my self-regulation vices) all of it sort of got swept away. This is by no means me feeling sorry for myself because this was entirely voluntary/ self-inflicted because it was my choice to move, but the multitude of change that I had just brought on was (and still is) extremely uncomfortable.

Before I go into some of the things that have gotten me through this in one piece, I suppose I could give a little insight to the subtext as to why this was/is "uncomfortable". (Please note: I am speaking from my personal point of view and while I am absolutely sure non-HSPs probably feel a very similar way being put in these positions, I am just giving a little insight to my experience in my "special" body.) Being a highly sensitive person, my nervous system is extremely receptive to sensory/ nuance/ energy...meaning, my fight or flight mode/ sympathetic nervous system is a little trigger happy. Change in my environment means a lot of "potential danger". The more you become acclimated to a person, space, etc., you are able to process those "features", deem them safe (or not), and you are then able to come down a little and not feel so uptight and/ or irritable. Which, again, is how most humans function, but, for HSP’s, it’s all intensified.

Within the first few months of being back in LA, I acquired a fast-paced job, moved into a new apartment...after three intense weeks of searching, had someone I've known for a long time show their true (murky) colors, and found myself in a very tight schedule with very little free time. All the while, I am trying to give myself grace as I try to process, self-regulate, and come back into my body more than not. (..And keep a social life, try to maybe date, and not starve my little elderly pup, Eloise, of deserving TLC.)

I felt led to accept an exciting job where I travel half of the month and while I am unclear if this is my premature death sentence or a potentially valuable challenge, it gave me the idea that I can share my journey to staying mentally sound, physically fit, and well-- all while traveling for work (and play)! I will go more into this exiting content later, but today I am going to chat about some of the things I have done that have been extremely instrumental to making a healthy/ stable transition. Yes, I do feel that if I didn't implement these steps, the stress would have been significantly more brutal.

​First, some obvious “symptoms” and red flags to look out for that might indicate that you may be living at a pace/ mind space that could be detrimental your spiritual life, personal life, and literal lifespan: when you’re feeling a little out of body, unfulfilled, tense, you have a hard time connecting, OR you find yourself looking back on previous days and can't quite picture the details and the days seem vague. Any of these sound familiar? Here are some significantly useful habits you can implement to make you feel a little more sound, secure, and present.

1. Find Time to Breathe. Like, really breathe. Those great diaphragmatic breaths where you breathe in and your stomach expands and when you breathe out, it goes back down. (Reading this description could sound elementary and instinctual, but until I studied "basic breathing" in school, I didn't realize that my body didn't do those things until I started practicing. I would force my stomach to push out, even though, air wasn't actually filling my lungs and continue until I caught a full, natural breath. To this day, I still have to frequently check in with myself and make sure I'm doing that.) REAL breathing is a great way to signal to your body that you're not in danger. You could be safe on your couch watching Netflix, but if you're taking shallow breaths, chances are, your body is still in fight or flight mode. When you're functioning with your sympathetic nervous system, or "fight or flight", you're in survival mode. Your body doesn't care about secreting regulated hormones, repairing damaged cells, digesting, etc. It's purely functioning to survive, releasing cortisol. This is why when you’re stressed, you’re maybe a snacker or don’t have an appetite at all-- due to your bodies' inability to release the proper amounts of your "full" and "hungry" hormones, leptin and ghrelin. Another popular repercussion is having overly active bowels or your elimination is slowed down (or off altogether). One of my favorites is looking haggard— which is how your friends clairvoyantly ask you if everything is okay because they can see it on your face— your cell turnover rate has lulled. So, this cliche tip to breathe is actually THAT important because you want to trigger your parasympathetic nervous system, “rest and digest” mode, so your body functions like it's supposed to..

2. Find a Not-So-Guilty Pleasure...or two. One of my very favorite scenarios is to cook while listening to uplifting movies or music, accompanied by chilled wine glass of KeVita (fermented coconut water). This originally became a habit because I wanted to "come down" after work by drinking something without alcohol when I quit drinking for a year. I now prefer this ritual because it contributes to my health and is still an extremely effective way to relax. So, I'm not saying go grab yourself a KeVita, but take inventory of the things that really give back to your body and allow you to feel at ease. Whether that's evening strolls, drawing, crossword puzzles, ANYTHING--- so that if you find yourself out of your comfort zone, you're able to come down, without compromising your health.

3. Get Moving. I can't tell you how often I've blogged about or told clients this somewhat obvious, but under utilized little gem. You might hear it a lot because the stats are right-- working out is one of the most effective stress relievers, a great way to pump your endorphins, and press the reset button. When I travel or find myself in a state of stress, I run. I bring my running shoes because I know the consistency of working out is so healing for me. No matter where you're working out, if you're able to become centered, it will trigger that same state/ mindset, no matter where you are (literally and figuratively).

4. Implement Routine. To some, this could seem very boring. I'm not saying shut down your spontaneous side, but routine can be a great way to bring familiarity to an unfamiliar place or time in your life. While I love supporting local, independent shops, one of my best travel tips is: the second you touch down at the airport, map a Whole Foods. You can find one in most major cities, either near the airport or your hotel. Since most layouts are fairly similar, choosing a grocery like Whole Foods will actually end up saving you time— not to mention the obvious perks of having healthy snacks handy when you’re on the go. I know when most people think of Whole Foods, they don’t exactly think “budgeting”, but this little routine will also end up saving you money! Grabbing some quick $3 breakfasts (like superfood oatmeal cups by Vilgilant Eats and Purely Elizabeth), $1 bottles of spring water, transportable fruits like apples, pears, plums— not only allows you to stay on a healthy path, it also reduces the temptation of grabbing a $4 acidic SmartWater from your mini fridge or a processed snack from a vending machine or convenient store. I also highly suggest grabbing a green drink, low in sugar (4ish grams a serving), to alkalize your system and help combat travel stress.

During my move, I have loved discovering new places, but when I'm feeling a tad overwhelmed, you have no idea how comforting it is to walk into somewhere like a Sprouts-- anywhere I can go to avoid unnecessary stimuli.  

In order to master these tips, you must first challenge yourself to devote time to be still. Time to check-in and pay attention to what does and doesn't work for you: activities, foods, etc. By doing this, I was able to find the very things that bring me to a state of homeostasis. (And, also, things that lead me to the brink of spiraling.) This custom “wellness formula” is invaluable when you're entering a time of stress, change, upheaval. Take inventory of the things that help you self-regulate and feel whole and authentic... and do what it takes to make sure that you’re living on that level. It’s the most self-honoring thing you can do!

​Do you have any self-regulating routines?! Please share in the comments section below!

Not too long ago I created a blog post about my favorite things because I am frequently asked about products. In that post, I almost started to include my favorite beauty items, but realized it was such a loaded topic that I would have to devote an entire blog entry...so, here it is!

Since I was super young, I have been really interested in cosmetics and beauty products. I have honestly been a product junkie since middle school, BUT some major details have changed. One, I have minimized my consumption a TON and while my curiosity to learn about products hasn't wavered, I test with samples vs. buying full-size and I read reviews instead of insisting that I need to be the judge! Another whammy is the type/ quality of products I am in the market for.

Unfortunately, in the United States, we have very low standards for what is deemed "safe". This doesn't just pertain to body/ beauty products, but, also, our food! If you look at some worldwide distributors, you will find that the ingredients on the same items differ. Why? Because many countries outside of the U.S. have better regulations and purity standards. While colored dyes in cosmetics are outlawed in many places because of their impact on the body, ranging from behavioral, hormonal, and neurological, America keeps them--- not just in cosmetics, but also "food" "safe for consumption"! Ex: artificial red dye in food AND cosmetics has been removed from most places outside of the US. If you compare a Kraft Jell-o box from America and one in Europe, you will see that the ingredients aren't the same. (Although now they've been forced to put a disclaimer regarding the potential impact it will have on your child's behavior.)

Not only are topical toxins one of the main culprits to accelerated/ premature aging, toxic body products and household detergents are FULL of neurotoxins! You might be thinking, "well, what I put on my skin can't impact my health that much." Super valid thought, until you begin to realize just how effective nicotine patches are to reduce someone's addiction to cigarettes. Enough nicotine is absorbed through the skin from a TINY patch, that it is an efficient "fix" to someone's drug addiction.

In short, these ingredients can be found in: makeup, hair products, cleaners, skin care products, deodorant, toothpaste, mouthwash, candles and can cause: infertility, cancers, autoimmune disease, respiratory disease, irregular hormone secretion, etc. ALL contributing to your body’s ability to deal, repair, and create tissue and healthy cells.

This is why it is so important to me that I only expose my skin to clean products.
That is where my "favorites" list comes in.
I have to make note: while I am a rep for Beautycounter, this isn't why I'm partial to their line. If you read their website, you will find that because they have SUCH high purity standards, they're responsible for actually developing new ones. Beautycounter has really raised the bar in not only creating safe, healthy products-- they're also just really great!

Click on the items below to see and read the product's full description. You can either purchase these items online, but if you want to buy some locally, I will list those vendors below! For all Beautycounter purchases, please click here!

Lips:
Lip Sheer by Beautycounter, "plum".
I love, love this product. The color is honestly perfect for me, but I am also really looking forward to trying more shades because it feels like a super moisturizing chapstick! They also fragrance it with essential oil so, it smells lovely too!

Lipstick Butter by Mineral Fusion, "blackberry".
This was a really exciting find because I have been using Clinique's Almost Lipstick in "black honey" since high school and this is just like it! Unfortunately, Clinique seems like a line that would be clean, but it's not. This lipstick looks super dark, but it really just makes you look fresh-- giving you a nice vibrant, natural color for day or night. It's also really smooth and not sticky at all.

Mascara:
Lengthening Mascara by Beautycounter.
This product is an Allure Magazine "Best of Beauty 2016" award winner and after trying it, you'll know why!

Waterproof Mineral Mascara by Mineral Fusion, "raven".
This is a really great mascara that gives you plump, fuller lashes! Plus, it's waterproof-- which is tricky to find when it comes to pure cosmetic lines.

Organic Wear Mascara by Physicians Formula, "ultra black".
You can't really beat this item for the price! Although I have to say, it takes third place among these other top picks, but works really well for a day look.

Blush:
Color Sweep Blush Duo by Beautycounter, tawny/whisper.
I love that this has two colors because you can do a little contouring, adding the brightest shade on the apples of your cheeks and the darker shade to enhance your cheek bones!

Foundation:
Liquid Foundation by Sappho Organic, "Kate".
This foundation is wonderful because it's really light, but it still gives you nice, smooth coverage and it smells really good (not a floral-- more essential oil-esque)! It comes in a very small pump, but it's well worth it! Funny story about the color though-- I purchased this after getting an organic spray tan and while the color looked very natural, it sort of masks your natural skin tone and now, this foundation is designated only when I have a spray tan!

Organic Wear Tinted Moisturizer by Physicians Formula, "light to natural".
While Physicians Formula isn't THE cleanest product line, it is very affordable, and some of their "Organic Wear" cosmetics are formulated with 80% certified organic ingredients and are cruelty-free, paraben-free, and free of harmful fragrance. (This item is great if you're looking for light coverage and maybe not the best option if you have problematic skin and are seeking something with full coverage.)

Tint Skin Foundation by Beautycounter, "porcelain" and "sand" mixed are actually my perfect color.
Because the color of my skin fluctuates so much, I prefer mixing these two shades together. I love this product because it is really lightweight, but offers full coverage! Which is SO rare! It also doesn't make you shiny after a few short hours and it stays put all day. (What I'm wearing in the video above!)

Bronzer:
Color Contour Matte Bronzer by Beautycounter, No. 1.
I love this because it's MATTE! So hard to find. I personally don't want shimmer on my face, unless it's on my eyelids or the tops of my cheek bones so, this product is really perfect and natural looking!

Concealer:
Concealer Duo by Mineral Fusion, "warm".
One, it covers it all: dark circles, sun spots, and blemishes. Two, I think it's genius that there are two shades. I don't know anyone who stays the same color all year round. This option allows you to mix the two together to get the perfect shade, for all seasons.

Powder:
Pressed Powder Foundation by Mineral Fusion, "neutral 2".
This stuff is honestly amazing. With most powders, you would want to use a translucent option to set your liquid foundation, to avoid looking cakey. With this powder, you can pick a shade that will give you even more bonus coverage AND you avoid looking too made-up.

Local spots to purchase-
Mineral Fusion: Natural Grocers and Whole Foods
Physicians Formula: Ulta and most drug and grocery stores

Stay-tuned for my favorite skin care products! Spoiler alert: there is A LOT of great stuff to share!