A few months ago I reconnected with a wonderful old friend of mine, Ashley, who I met while I was living in New York. She had just found out I was pregnant and reached out to say hi. At the same time she mentioned that she and her boyfriend, Ben, had just recently embarked on a wild adventure to create a natural skincare line. Talk about a kindred connection! Here is what Ashely had to say:

“It all started because Ben had been dealing with eczema and really dry skin for his whole life, and was getting concerned about the chemical laden creams he had been buying at the drug store. We decided to look for some natural remedies and creams that we could make ourselves, and sure enough – it worked like a miracle! We created some other creams and serums, and started giving them away to friends and family. Before we knew it we had created an entire line of skin care based on the kinds of things we wanted and needed, and the types of things our loved ones wanted and needed too. It was definitely unexpected that this started to become a little business for us, but it’s super exciting to be making things from our hearts and with our hands and putting something healthy and good out into the universe!”

When I read that message I checked out their website immediately. I love the philosophy behind it all. At the time, it was February and my belly was growing and stretching at a rapid rate and I wasn’t loving the shea butter I had just bought. It just felt too thick, I would always need to thin it out with an oil. When I saw that Big and Baby carried a Baby Belly Butter I ordered it immediately! The night I got it I slathered it on my belly and just breathed in all it’s goodness. With things like rose oil, ylang ylang, geranium and frankincense I was in heaven. It rubs in easily and completely nourishes and hydrates your skin. There is literally nothing better for an itchy pregnant belly!! 

I was lucky enough to receive another package from Ashely and Ben just a few weeks ago. Not only did they totally spoil us with an adorable Brooklyn Bridge onesie for the baby but they shared so many other goodies with me. The Chamomile and Thyme Facial Cleanser, Neroli Rose Facial Toner, Avocado oil and Jojoba Eye Makeup Remover and a home made face cream. All can be found here on their site and all are equally delicious and yummy smelling, plus they are all natural! Perfect for anyone looking to eliminate chemicals out of their beauty routine! 

I love the Avocado Oil and Jojoba Eye Makeup remover. I have never been a fan of drug store eye makeup remover because it always left my eyes either feeling super oily or super dry and itchy. So, for as long as I can remember I have been using face cream dabbed onto a cotton pad to take off any eye makeup. When Ashely and Ben sent this one to me I was a little hesitant to try it because of the oils but I was totally proven wrong. It doesn’t leave any oily residue, and your eyes feel totally hydrated and c l e a n! Plus there is the bonus of knowing that you haven’t used anything bad in the sensitive area around your eyes. 

Thank you Ashley and Ben for diving into the natural apothecary world – we are so happy for you and can’t wait to see where Big and Baby goes! 

If you’re interested in our first Au Natural post about toxicity in the home you can read it here and our second one about natural beauty and skincare here.