Beauty By Amanda

HEALTHY HAIR | MY TIPS, TRICKS + DIY RECIPES
I recently wrote this original article for Free+Native which was posted yesterday!
You can read my full article here on Free+Native ! I wanted to also post it here as I know many of you have been requesting my hair care tips plus DIY recipes. Keep reading here for the article + see more photos and links to products mentioned. xx
*You can also read my other articles for F+N:
Harnessing the Healing Benefits of Crystals + Gemstones
Transitioning Your Skincare For Spring
Now, onto the HAIR!!!!
I’ve never had such full-bodied, long, healthy hair since completely switching over to an organic & holistic lifestyle. I began three years ago by eliminating any product that contained sulfates (which chemically strip hair of naturally occurring oils, leading to dry, damage & split ends). Then systematically one by one, I stopped applying any personal care product or ingesting any food that wasn’t what I refer to as “life enhancing”. I’ve since discovered nature’s abundant gifts from the earth that actually work better to help deeply nourish and support healthy hair growth. I’m always experimenting with organic oils, infusing flowers, powders, crystals and herbs into my formulas (or “witchery brews” as my friends refer to them) to create DIY hair treatments. At least two times a week, I’ll use Indie hair products from a brand I admire like La Tierra Segrada, or I’ll apply one of my own DIY recipes.
Whether you’re looking to support your healthy hair, clear up any scalp issues, add luster and shine, or even to stimulate new hair growth, these tips will help you achieve your specific goals. I’ve been using these tips consistently for the past three years and I never imagined that at 30, my hair would be stronger, grow faster, and look healthier than it ever had in my entire life. I don’t color my hair, and I have not seen one gray hair (yet!).

100 PERCENT PURE | COCOA BUTTER SEMI-MATTE LIPSTICK IN MARRAKESH
I love a good bold lip 😍 I know for some it can be intimidating but I'm a firm believer that anyone can pull off a bold lip. You'll notice in this look I really kept it basic for my skin and eyes because the lips are the stand out!
I am in love with the Semi-Matte Lipsticks from 100% Pure because they last so long on my lips but don't cause any dryness! That is usually really hard for me to find as my lips become extremely dry from lip products that claim to be "long wearing". I have tried two colors from this collection so far and I cannot wait to try more! If you want a long wearing lipstick that is semi-matte and won't cause dryness, these will be your new staple!
💄MARRAKESH is the the perfect fuchsia semi-matte long-wearing lipstick! The natural lip color is formulated with healthy fruit pigments, and a rich blend of nourishing cocoa butter, shea butter, and vitamin E. I love how moisturizing it is while having such an intensely rich color—and it smells like fruit!

One of my FAVORITE Lipstick companies ever~ Axiology Beauty.
If you’ve followed my blog for awhile then you know how much I love lipsticks! Axiology has been one of my favorite brands since it was released. I’ve worked with the gorgeous (inside + out) founder of Axiology Beauty, Erika Rodriguez, on modeling campaigns in the past. There ARE SO MANY CHOICES! I literally get a little too excited when talking about lipstick brands that I love. As far as I am concerned – there is no such thing as too much lipstick. Axiology is so chic and edgy that I can never get enough of the colors. The range is creative and eclectic so that I can pretty much create an unlimited amount of makeup looks based around these lipsticks. Paired with some of the edgy wigs I’ve recently bought, just wait until you see what I have in store for you!
I have tried every color in their line and I have never been disappointed with the quality and amazing ingredients. The pigmentation is truly phenomenal. They had recently released Lip Crayons which are so good. However, their lipsticks are staples so I was happy to be able to talk about the incredible deal of this Makeup Discovery which features BOTH formulas. It is valued at $85 per collection of 3!
Axiology lipsticks and crayons are created with conscious and ethical company values. There is no compromising in any way when you purchase from this brand. I’m thrilled that the founder of Beauty Heroes, Jeannie Jarnot, has offered these in this Makeup Discovery Box. This is a true discovery.
Beauty Heroes Members pay only $45 for this $86 dollar value of 3 Axiology Beauty lip products.
Made with just 10 organic and wildcrafted ingredients, each lip product in the Axiology line provides earth-based pigments and long-lasting hydration, with no fear of the dreaded ‘feathering’ effect. The secret to the lip stains’ staying power is avocado butter and candelilla wax, a vegan alternative to beeswax. Each encased in a chic, gold vessel, the crayons and lipsticks are offered in three intensities: matte, cream, and balm.

MOONDELI ANCIENT TONIC BOTANICALS CALMING ADAPTOGEN
I am a huge fan of adaptogens. I wanted to try every single one of these right away, but because I know how sensitive my body is and that it’s always best to start with one new blend at a time to see how I respond to it, I decided to start with the Calming Adaptogen because the name, of course, drew me in immediately as I suffer from a lot of anxiety issues and could use more calm in my life!
This warming chai-spiced Ashwagandha herbal tonic mix helps increase vitality and expand happiness. Ashwagandha is one of the most revered ancient adaptogens.
HOW I USE IT:
I add one teaspoon to my Coffee or every day and it not only makes my Coffee taste even better (due to the hints of Ginger, Cinnamon, Cardamom, and Pink Sea Salt). I will also add it to any teas or even water. You can add this to any beverage of choice!
FLAVOR NOTES:
Ginger // Chai // Grounding
BENEFITS:
Stress relief // Memory food // Hormone balancer // Immunity booster
Ashwagandha is a powerful whole system balancer and adaptogenic remedy. It has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine to help alleviate stress, support physical and mental stamina, balance the immune system, support the nervous system, promote restful sleep, improve memory and support healthy adrenal, sexual and cognitive function. In laboratory studies, Ashwagandha has been shown to kill cancer cells and enhance immune cells.
Ginger has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been used as a digestive aid since ancient times. Cardamom helps the body eliminate toxins and is used by Ayurvedic practitioners to combat depression. Cassia cinnamon has been shown to lower blood sugar and cholesterol.
Himalayan pink salt provides the body with essential minerals, balances electrolytes and pH, and supports optimal nutrient absorption.
I have been taking this particular blend every day and have found that it gives me a balanced feeling. Instantly makes me feel calmer, yet not tired. I have been dealing with an increase in anxiety and this helps me to feel more leveled out. Bonus: It also helps with my digestion. Thanks to the Ginger and Cardamom! I look forward to having this every morning!! I am excited to try the Bliss Booster as well as the Blue Green Protein next and will report back!
Moondeli only works with suppliers who are USDA Organic Certified, Fair Trade Certified, Non-GMO Project Certified and Rain Forest Alliance Certified.
PRECAUTIONS:
Specific: Not for use during pregnancy or if breastfeeding except under the supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner.
This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

“You are not weak just because your heart feels so heavy. I have never met a heavy heart that wasn’t a phone booth with a red cape inside. Some people will never understand the kind of superpower it takes for some people to just walk outside.”
― Andrea Gibson
I experienced my first panic attack when I was just 8 years old. I continued to have anxiety all throughout my childhood and when I was diagnosed with Endometriosis at the age of 16, the panic got so bad that by the age of 18, I became agoraphobic for two years. I worked with so many different types of doctors and healers for help. For years I had relief but as many of you who suffer from any type of chronic illness (be it physical or mental or both), you know all too well how relief comes and goes. I am 32 now and still suffering from panic attacks and anxiety that sometimes gets so bad I often cannot get out of bed.
I talk a lot about the physical pain that I deal with due to Endometriosis, Fibromyalgia and the complications associated with them, but I don’t talk as much about the utter exhaustion that severe panic and anxiety can cause accompanying these issues. It is like a vicious cycle with chronic pain and anxiety. One makes the other worse and vice versa.
I know what it’s like to feel like the entire world is functioning while you are stuck inside of a terribly stressed and sore body, a tired mind and your nerves are shot. You are so over sensitized that every little thing is just too much. I know what it’s like to feel like just taking a shower is too much effort. I know how it feels to have your heart racing so fast you can hear your heartbeat through your ears, your hands shake so much you can’t hold a cup, you feel the rush of adrenaline down your legs and you fear and question everything. You become convinced you will faint or surely die.
I also know the pain of losing loved ones from su***de. I lost my step-brother Jeff 17 years ago. My cousin Todd two years ago and my half-brother James just last year. There needs to be more awareness. HAVING ANXIETY DOES NOT MAKE YOU WEAK. If anything it makes us stronger. This is why I will continue to be an advocate for all types of Invisible Illness. Please know you are not alone and there is help. Also, remember that healing is an ongoing process. This too shall pass. You’re never alone.❤️

This beauty of a lipstick is described as a “bold red wine” purple shade. This lipstick can be worn dark or much lighter. You can see in the first photo wearing this it almost appears a bit red and in the second shown it looks much more purple. The shade varies on how you apply it and the lighting. The color looks chocolate brown in the tube but when applied it looks much more like a deep purple and sometimes a deep red purple. It harkens the 1920’s era.
I cannot get enough of this color. It actually makes me FEEL fierce when I wear it and we could all go for feeling a little more fierce in our day to day lives, right?!
This lipstick is a Satin finish and is – Gluten Free, Paraben Free, Nut/Tree Nut Free, Fragrance Free, Soy Free, and Toxin Free

Who is ready to see me and this blog back and better? By “better” I mean that I’ve evolved and therefor so has my content. So much has changed.
I’m excited to share what I’m loving, what’s happening, and anything my heart desires!
I hope to see many familiar faces still with me along my journey, and many new ones as well!
I will be putting a lot of changes into the theme of my blog

NEW!!! 💄