Today I want to talk about the how I’m contributing to October’s Breast Cancer Awareness month with a HUGE safer skincare special sale (end of the post). I want to talk about how the majority of skincare products that we all use in the US – not just ourselves but also on our kids – are linked to cancer. But first, I have to address the elephant in the room. If you don’t need to hear it, just skim to the Cliffnotes.

Yes, it’s technically an MLM brand.

What I’m learning, after sharing my love of Beautycounter with the world last month, is that there is a negative connotation with the brand. Today at a health conference I had an Emmy nominated professional make-up artist tell me she loved Beautycounter’s products but didn’t feel comfortable promoting the brand “because it’s MLM, and I just don’t like that.”

I get it. Sincerely.

I myself was turned off by the brand at first, too. Hearing and seeing everyone I knew talk about it was somehow off-putting. And then I found out it was a “multi-level-marketing” company and didn’t want to support that. But here’s the thing, it’s not what you think. There’s no “tricking” people and it’s not stealing money from consultants or abusing a system.

It’s simply a “story best told friend to friend.” People like me try the product, see that it’s effective, performs well, and actually nourishes and improves their skin… without toxins! So they want to spread the word. Frankly, I realize I’ve become that obnoxious person talking about it non-stop. I was the same way when I went Paleo and realized something so fundamentally important had such an impact on us all.

But, the reason it’s especially unique is that this brand isn’t only leaning on consultants. Here’s 3 things that make it different:

1. It’s working with huge brands like J. Crew, Goop, and Target.
2. It’s got serious investors (like Bono) and corporate chops to ensure it can keep up with the market.
3. My favorite part? It gives back corporate profits to lobbying endlessly on The Hill in order to get government support on safer skincare. That’s completely against their own self-interests, to have more brands be their competitors, yet they continue. I loved this recent letter the CEO wrote.

Because the goal is to cast as wide a net as possible for all citizens because we deserve better. We deserve the same safety regulations other European countries already have.

I also personally am a BIG proponent of shopping small and Beautycounter does just that, giving women (and men) a chance to create their own businesses, earning income sharing a message they feel passionately about. Or, just use that opportunity as a discount for their own purchases – it’s up to them, it’s their business and they get to run it how they want without financial blowback from the company!

Frankly, it’s just like every other sales endorsement from us.

When I share Beautycounter links with you all it’s absolutely no different than the affiliate commissions I earn on the blog talking about other products my family genuinely uses and loves. It’s how we pay for blog upkeep, hosting services, getting graphics made.

This is what giving me excitement and passion right now. After a year of depression after a back injury, being able to be motivated and excitement about something I can positively contribute to this healthy community is making me happy. I feel this is exactly what we need in the world. More advocates for our mission. And it’s what I’ve been doing as a blogger for years; this dogma people have about a brand simply because of a preconceived notion they have (without having actual knowledge) is silly and I’m happy to personally answer your questions – with REAL honesty, if you’re still not buying that this isn’t just some pyramid-scheme-scam. Which, it’s just simply not.

But the biggest thing you need to know – the products speak for themselves.

Not only does Beautycounter have the BEST ratings on EWG’s Skin Deep independently-tested database but it ALSO has been nominated by Allure magazine 3 years running for Best of Beauty Award. That makes it the ONLY high-performance low-toxin beauty and skincare brand I’ve ever tried. And while I was busy “not being interested” because of this reason or that, I was putting toxins on my skins for years when I could have been benefiting from the nourishing products I’ve now come to love.

If you don’t believe me, here are some news articles that get to my point:

• NY Times reported on Beautycounter’s Chemical Crackdown with fantastic detail and accuracy on the “direct sales model”
• Allure says “Beautycounter for Target is So Major.”
• British Vogue “in the bag” series notes Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer as a “must have”
• Haarper’s Bazaar noted Beautycounter as one of it’s top “luxury” brand picks, alongside a chemical sh*t storm other brand “Pots of Gold” are using for the same results.

Photo source: Harper’s Bazaar finds BC as a top pick, even compared to toxic equals

And my recent giveaway post I shared statistics from 3rd party tests that PROVED that the  (anti-aging) line WORKS.

“89% of women reported under-eye puffiness was reduced and fine lines were diminished. (Results based on independent, 8-week, 28-subject, single-blind clinical and consumer perception study.)” – Rejuvinating Eye Cream

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if this allowed us to move past all the stigma associated with Beautycounter? If you’re not convinced, e-mail me. I’m on a personal mission to convert the world. Frankly, I wouldn’t have signed on to be a brand ambassador if I didn’t love everything about it. I didn’t start this because I needed the money or was bored. I do this because I believe I can help people. Those of us looking to optimize health need to broaden our horizons when considering what affects us. I have never found a natural non-toxic beauty or skincare product that works like this. It is why it I am obsessed. ♥

OCTOBER: Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Now that we’ve addressed that elephant in the room, let’s talk pink.

The chemicals in your personal hygiene products are linked to cancer. Unless, of course, you’ve checked EWG’s database and are sure they don’t.

In the U.S., major loopholes in federal law allow the cosmetics industry to put thousands of synthetic chemicals into personal care products, even if those chemicals are linked to cancer, infertility or birth defects. At the same time as untested chemicals have been steadily introduced into our environment, breast cancer incidence has risen dramatically. Source: Breast Cancer Fund on the Environmental Links to Breast Cancer

The article goes on to specify 10 of the chemicals commonly found in cosmetics and the harm they do to us: Phthalates, Tricolsan, 1,4-dioxane, Parabens, Ethylene Oxide, 1,3-butadiene, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), Placental Extract, Lead, and those found in Sunscreens. None of these ingredients are found in Beautycounter products, they are 10 of the 1500 banned ingredients.If you’re spending money on high-quality, local, organic or just plain real ingredients for your food, it’s time to start thinking about doing the same for what you put on the outside of your body.

Our skin is our largest organ

Not only is it essential to ensure that the lipstick you wear is gluten-free simply because you are eating it as you speak and lick your lips, but also think of the toxins your skin will absorb. With breast cancer (and all cancers) consistently on the rise, science has determined that environmental factors play the majority in the role for our likelihood of getting cancer. The good news is that you don’t have to sacrifice your health – or the health of your loved ones, since children’s growing bodies are more susceptible – to the affects of toxins, in the name of being clean or beautiful.

This is why my mission this month is to ensure that EVERYONE can maximize their health by incorporating as many non-toxic skincare products as possible. I’m about to give you instructions that don’t benefit me financially. That’s because a) I want everyone to have access to safer skincare, and b) when you try these products you’re going to want more – and you can trust that I will help you maximize every dollar of your tight budget.

Finally, October’s Beautycounter Special from Me

Because Beautycounter products are currently available in Target for a short time, here’s what I first recommend you do:

1. Go to Target (or shop online) and buy the smaller versions of 2 products to try at a lower price point. I recommend the Finishing Touch Set (blush/bronzer and lip shine combo – I use this everyday!) and the Clean Slate set (Charcoal Bar and Nourishing Face Oil).
2. You will receive these items PLUS because of Target’s sale (offer expires 10/15/16) you will ALSO receive the Cosmetic Bag Pouch for FREE.
3. When you receive your items you will then receive THREE coupons for FREE product with purchase at Beautycounter.

Then Use Your Target Coupons to Double Down on a MAJOR SALE

Some of you have already made Target purchases and have coupons to use. Now is the time! Take advantage by doubling up on my October Breast Cancer Awareness sale AND the free item coupon from HQ! For my special you can do one or BOTH of the following:

What is a social?

Remember when I said that Beautycounter was a story best told friend to friend? If you invite your friends to an online party to makeover your make over or fall into safer skincare we will be able to reach so much more people than if I take this mission on myself. Logistically this entails:

• As a host, you will invite friends & family to a private Facebook group for an “online social”
• I will lead 1 Facebook live session for your social (day and time must be scheduled to confirm your social) to answer questions and demo products
• I will keep the social open for the period you want (no more than 30 days) – but orders must be placed by the October special dates for the specials to apply, after that only my November special or BC HQ’s specials will apply (unknown at this time)
• We will share experiences, recommendations, and educational material to the group to get them familiar with why safer skincare is so important and why Beautycounter in particular is so different
• You are entitled to Host perks, which means CHEAP & FREE products for you!