6 Small Businesses You Support With New Self Care Non Tox Box™
This Friday, April 10, 2020 our special self care edition of The Non Tox Box™ will be available for purchase. These boxes were born out of a desire to connect our community with safer products, introduce new self care practices you can effectively adopt from home and to support important and impactful small businesses during this challenging time. (And of course, as always, to help you enjoy these products at a steep savings!)
It is no secret that small businesses are disproportionately impacted by this pandemic and halt to our economy. I have thoughtfully curated our two newest boxes so that this community can collectively do its part in helping keep these incredibly valuable, ethical and safer product-producing brands afloat. Here are the six brands whose ten different self care products will be featured in our two newest editions of The Non Tox Box™. I know you will love and appreciate them, their products and all they do for people and planet.
Milk + Honey
Milk + Honey is no stranger to the Pop Of Health community. Their glamorous, hyperclean essential oil candles were the featured product in our Scent Safer Non Tox Box™ released Fall 2019. When we heard what this beautiful brand of spas and safer products was doing to support their incredible service providers and support staff, who are not currently able to perform their daily schedule of treatments and tasks due to this unprecedented situation, I was blown away. They are working hard to continue providing ongoing healthcare and paid time-off benefits, daily communication regarding resources, and an employee assistance fund. I immediately reached out to the team to see how I could support them and their team during this time. The result: not one, but two Milk + Honey self care products for you to try in our latest release of The Non Tox Box™:
No.08 Lavender + Eucalyptus Epsom Salt Bath Soak | Let’s face it: these are troubling times. Whether you’re trying to juggle home-school and working from home; coping with total isolation; or struggling to find time for yourself amidst a full house - we could all benefit from a calming and detoxifying epsom salt soak. Take a deep breath and let the day's stress fade away with this relaxing blend of organic lavender and eucalyptus oils — then exhale. The cleansing aroma helps to bring balance and lull you into a peaceful state of mind. Emily Tip: Even if you’re not a “bath person”, use this for a relaxing foot soak before using your new safer polish set from The Non Tox Box™ to give yourself a fresh mani-pedi. Enjoy this relaxing and detoxifying practice by grabbing this Emily-approved favorite in one of our new Self Care Non Tox Boxes.
No.40 Vanilla + Cardamom Sugar Lip Polish | Exfoliate, hydrate and boost circulation to your lips with this hyperclean and yummy lip polish. I use this lip polish every morning as my morning routine to slough of dry, dead skin, boost blood flow for youthful looking lips and create a smooth, hydrated surface for makeup application. (For a full demo check out my self care highlight over @popofhealth on Instagram). You can add a lip polish practice to your daily routine by grabbing this Emily-approved favorite in one of our new Self Care Non Tox Boxes.
About Milk + Honey
Alissa Bayer launched milk + honey as a spa in 2006 and its founding principles were clear: to create an exceptional spa experience, commit to hyperclean ingredients, enrich their employee's lives, and give back to the community. Since then, they have grown their brand to include a collection of six milk + honey locations, as well as a hyperclean line of bath, body, home, and skincare products.
When it came to developing milk + honey products, Alissa did not do it alone. A team of talented milk + honey estheticians, massage therapists, and stylists help to shape and create their products, providing crucial feedback and real-world experience throughout the development of the product line.
Côte
Whether you’re used to going for your regular mani-pedi appointments or, like me, are more of an at-home polisher, there is nothing like that feeling after a fresh application of a fabulous shade. The problem is most nail polishes are contain harmful ingredients that can be neurotoxic, allergenic and even carcinogenic. There are a slew of purportedly safer polishes on the market but côte sits atop my list of favorites. All of côte's polishes are created free of the major toxins and allergens that are often associated with nail polish: formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), toluene, camphor, formaldehyde resin, TPHP, xylene, ethyl tosylamide, parabens, and gluten. Their line of over 120 different shades and treatments are all made cruelty free with the highest quality vegan products to produce the safest toxin-free nail polish available – guilt free! And all of their polishes undergo a rigorous testing and manufacturing process to provide a product that is safe for our kids, friends, and family. For this reason, I am so excited to be able to support their efforts to produce safer, elegant nail care products, and connect you with not just my favorite creamy neutral shade but ALSO their strengthening base + top traveler bottle, and a mini nail file packaged within a lightweight cotton bag for safer nail care from home!
Côte Safer Nail Care Starter Set | In one of our brand new Self Care editions of The Non Tox Box launching this week you will receive this safer nail care starter set, featuring polish shade No.125 - a creamy neutral taupe with just the slightest hint of pink that looks chic on every nail shape and skin tone, a strengthening base + top coat travel bottle, and a mini nail file packaged within a lightweight cotton bag for safer nail care from home.
About Côte
Côte founders Mary Lennon and Leah Yari created côte to provide a safe, transparent, quality product and an elegant nail care experience that could be shared with their families and friends without worry. They set out to take the “toxins” out of the nail treatment experience; from the shop environment to the technician/guest interaction, to the actual products themselves. With that in mind, all of côte's polishes are created free of the major toxins and allergens that are often associated with nail polish: formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), toluene, camphor, formaldehyde resin, TPHP, xylene, ethyl tosylamide, parabens, and gluten.
Slow North
My relationship with Slow North was love at first sight. When I first received one of their Migraine Masks I was so taken with the beautiful Rifle Paper Co designed patterns, hand sewn artistry, and sustainable packaging. After placing the mask in the freezer for twenty minutes I fell deeper in love as this perfectly proportioned, just-heavy-enough, just-light-blocking-enough, hot+cold therapy mask melted away tension and inflammation from my eyes. When I thought I couldn’t love them more I discovered their neck wraps and aromatherapy essential oil travel tin candles. Their products and their people are made with so much care and intention and 100% transparent ingredients and I cannot wait for you to enjoy them.
Due to the overwhelming need for PPE (personal protective equipment) right now, Slow North is pledging to make & give 150+ mask covers per week through their #donatetomake campaign. All the more reason to love and support this remarkable small business that operates from the heart. I’m thrilled to be able to introduce you to their beautifully made self care products and support their important work by featuring not one but two special products in our latest editions of The Non Tox Box™:
Hand Sewn Hot + Cold Therapy Migraine Mask | Melt away the tension. Let this cheerful migraine relief eye mask ease the pain while lifting your spirits. This perfectly-designed eye pillow can be applied warm or cold depending on your preference to soothe headaches and tired eyes. Cold and warm therapy packs can work wonders for pain and inflammation and may be your answer for natural relief. Designed with your well-being in mind, this therapy pack is made with 100% cotton & linen fibers and filled with natural, unscented lentils. They are also a great option to use for meditation as a weighted eye pillow. Proudly made by hand in their Austin, TX studio.
6oz. Eucalyptus + Lavender 100% Essential Oil Candle | Breathe easy and relax with my favorite custom blend of eucalyptus and lavender essential oils - designed to vitalize, soothe and refresh your senses. Slow North creates some of the finest plant-based, soy-wax candles for any space with 100% essential oil fragrances, and cotton and paper wicks that redefine all-natural luxury. These candles are vegan and free from artificial dyes and ingredients. From ingredients to vessels, Slow North candles are designed with sustainability in mind, made with only soy wax, a long-burning, biodegradable and renewable resource. These candles are poured into reusable, brushed gold travel tins. Light one wile you enjoy your new bath soak, close your eyes, let your migraine mask melt away tension and enjoy the relaxing breath-promoting aromas.
About Slow North
At Slow North, we intentionally craft all-natural, botanical products made to complement whole living. A family business, Slow North emerged from the belief that all home goods, whether luxury or necessity, should be made with clean and safe ingredients. Slow North sees a need for positive change and responds with action, filling a void and serving as a constant advocate for your daily renewal. We are committed to curating a growing line of small-batch products – made with transparent ingredients – that contribute to a healthier home and fuller life. With purposeful intentions, positive energy and a passion for quality, we create beautiful products for everyday living in a happy environment. Slow North candles contain only pure essential oils – often referred to as the “life force” of plants – which can provide unique and varied therapeutic benefits. Hand-crafted entirely in-house, our production process is hands-on from start-to- finish. Each pitcher of soy wax and essential oils is measured and mixed by hand in small batches, allowed to cool and then poured into prepared vessels for curing. Our packing materials and boxes are recycled, recyclable and biodegradable. From our recycled glass to the renewable, natural resources we choose for our ingredients, we are continually seeking ways to lighten our impact.
Honey Belle
Gua sha has been such an important part of my life for some time now, so when I set out to create our new Self Care editions of The Non Tox Box for this community, it was the first item I knew without question had to be inside. While many companies have begun producing their own facial massage tools like rose quartz rollers and gua sha, it was important to me that I support a small business who could use the extra support and love right now and whose business model was rooted in a commitment to safer personal care products. Honey Belle is a small shop whose products are made with so much love and I cannot wait to share their pretty green jade gua sha stone with you!
Jade Gua Sha | Gua Sha, also known as the "Eastern Face Lift", is an ancient facial massage technique that promotes lymphatic drainage, circulation, detoxification and healthy-looking skin. I have practicing gua sha facial massage for almost two years now. I’ll do a quick practice each morning during my a.m. skincare routine but when I’m traveling or just need some extra help de-puffing I will extend my practice or add a second treatment in at night. For the best results, consistency is key, but you’ll experience reduced puffiness almost immediately. I chose their green jade gua sha because jade is known for bringing good luck, abundance, and prosperity and promotes a sense of peace and purity within the mind. Something I think we could all use right about now!
About Honey Belle
Honey Belle’s mission is to generate health and self-confidence in individuals by producing clean, green, and highly-effective products. We believe in compassion, and making a difference in the community. This indie beauty start-up was birthed in Iris's home kitchen, inspired by her own mother who is an herbalist and holistic doctor. As Iris went through evolving into a young woman in her 20’s, she was faced with what every other woman experiences in her life: a sudden identity crisis, changes in her body, and being conscious of her self-image. Our Mission is simple: to spark fearless self-confidence through simple and intentional self-care rituals. We celebrate natural skin, with flaws and all, and connect real people with real products that work.
KOOSHOO
Let me tell you: I have been on the hunt for the perfect hair ties for a long time. Some of the boxes I sought to check were: plastic free or recycled materials only, organic cotton where cotton were present, sustainable packaging and materials, dyed only with nontoxic dyes, sturdy enough to hold a pony in place through a tough workout, and of course cute enough to wear on your wrist in between use. I was about to give up hope when I stumbled upon KOOSHOO. Seven years ago KOOSHOO the first plastic free hair tie. I deeply admire how they operate their business lead by their core values of honesty, transparency and love and know that through use of their truly perfect products that I am joining them in doing good for both people and planet.
Organic Plastic Free Hair Ties (5 Pack) | I’m so proud to be able to introduce you to KOOSHOO’s plastic-free hair ties in our latest edition of The Non Tox Box™. These hair ties are plastic free, made with organic cotton and natural rubber, made in a Fair Trade certified social-good garment facilityowned and operated by nuns and all profits are currently used to support a cancer treatment facility for those who would otherwise not have access to care. If that’s not enough, these biodegradable hair ties support organic farming, fair trade labor and environmental protection. “It's a vote for the world you want to see.” You will never look at your old hair ties the same again. I can promise you that.
About KOOSHOO
KOOSHOO was founded for a simple reason: to help others feel good. That includes everyone from the individuals growing the crops right through to you, the end consumer. They achieve this by operating their business with the core values of honesty, transparency and love. They are a small but dedicated team working along ethical and sustainable companies in the fashion industry. They work with family businesses in Los Angeles and India that weave, dye, cut, sew and package their products. In Hawaiian there is a word for family, “ohana”. With ohana it is understood that family is there to help uplift each other so there is never anyone left behind. This is how the team views KOOSHOO - as their Ohana - and for this reason they are proud to use Fair Trade certified garment facilities and organic cotton crops, ensuring workers throughout their supply chain are treated like family.
Conscious Coconut
450,000. That is the number of meals Conscious Coconut has been able to donate to Feeding America through their efforts to connect people with health promoting products produced to be safer for people and planet alike. As you know, I set a pretty high bar for the brands we choose to feature in the Pop Of Health Shop and in The Non Tox Box™ - Conscious Coconut exceeds expectations on every metric. I am so thrilled to introduce you to them through one of our new Self Care editions of The Non Tox Box:
Dry Body Brush + Dry Brushing Guide + Travel Bag | The Conscious Coconut "Essential Dry Brush" will be featured in one of our brand new limited edition Self Care boxes. In addition to the all natural bamboo and sisal dry brush, the set includes a sustainable travel bag, and a How-To Dry Brush Guide with step by step instructions to achieve the best results through this practice of self love. Dry brushing is an essential (and energizing!) step for your skincare and self care routine. Use before showering in combination with to stimulates lymphatic drainage, exfoliate skin, reduce inflammation, increases circulation, detoxify and even boost energy!
Organic Cold Pressed Conscious Coconut Oil Pack | Conscious Coconut's convenient travel-ready packets are filled with 100% certified organic, fair trade, cold-pressed coconut oil, which means you won't find any artificial ingredients, fillers, fragrances, or unnatural preservatives lurking about. Our coconut oil is made in small batches and never touches a piece of machinery. Coconut oil is a versatile tool for optimum health, wellness and beauty. It is a great multi-tasker because of its medium-chain triglycerides and vitamin E, which have anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. What makes this coconut oil even more special? It is packaged by adults with developmental disabilities at the MacDonald Training Center in Tampa, Florida; and for EVERY product sold they donate a meal to a child in need through Feeding America. (Visit their Our Coconut Oil page for coconut oil uses, benefits & more.)
About Conscious Coconut
Conscious Coconut is a social enterprise fueled by love. We are committed to giving everyone the tools to live their healthiest, happiest lives. At Conscious Coconut, we work directly with our farmers in the southern Philippines to our packaging factories in China, supporting fair trade practices every step of the way. Conscious Coconut tubes are then packaged by adults with mental and developmental disabilities at the MacDonald Training Center located in Tampa, Florida. We are dedicated to empowering people with disabilities to lead the lives they choose. We also love kids (a lot) and are committed to raising awareness for childhood hunger in the States. For every product sold, we donate a meal to a child in need through Feeding America food banks.
Support these small business and discover new self care practices and safer products with one of our two new self care editions of The Non Tox Box™.