This is how I fell into a low tox living journey. Let me take you back to a moment I’ll never forget — 11 years ago, I was on a date with my then-boyfriend (now husband). I was feeling cute, confident, and probably a little too proud of the full face of makeup I had spent way too long applying. When I look back it’s pretty hilarious how much time I’d waste getting dolled up considering now I just fly through the house as octamom (holding way too many things in my hands) with barely two minutes to get myself together – so funny! 

Anyway, so we pulled up to our lunch spot, I stepped out of the car… and he looked at me and said: “What is that cakey stuff on your face?”

Oh my gosh, I was so embarrassed! 

It wasn’t mean — it was honest. And honestly? He just said out loud what I had been quietly feeling for years. My makeup never really matched, it always felt heavy and dry, and I was constantly piling it on to hide my hyperpigmentation that I was super self-conscious about.

That one comment was the nudge I needed. I ditched my old products and marched into the tiny CVS near my work in the West Village, determined to find something better. Historically, drugstore makeup and I had not been friends (shade ranges were… mediocre), but I was hopeful.

Then, something shifted.

I picked up a random foundation, flipped it over, and — for the first time ever — looked at the ingredients list. The words were foreign, long, and weirdly science-y. So naturally, I Googled them right there in the aisle.

That’s when I learned: some of these ingredients were linked to hormone disruption and health issues. Wait, what?! This stuff was going on my face — on my skin. I had no idea. And once I knew, I couldn’t unknow it.

That moment sparked what became a full-on lifestyle shift. What started with makeup slowly snowballed into everything else: skincare, household products, food. I started reading every label I could get my hands on. I wanted transparency. I wanted safer choices for me — and eventually, for my family too.

A few years into this journey, I even launched my own little skincare side business, creating organic, plant-based body butters and face oils. It was something I truly loved — the process, the ingredients, connecting with other women who cared about clean skincare as much as I did. But when we were expecting our second child, I made the tough decision to close up shop. Running a business while being in full-on mom mode? Let’s just say… I was wearing all the hats and burning out fast.

Still, my passion for cleaner living never faded. I’ve spent the last decade diving deep into ingredients, testing better alternatives, and finding what actually works. Because yes — your products can be both clean and effective. No compromises needed.

If you’re new to low-tox living, my best advice? Start small. You don’t have to overhaul everything overnight. Choose one thing — I always recommend starting with your everyday cleaning products, because that touches so many surfaces all around the house. Conventional cleaners can be full of harsh chemicals that add to your toxic load, especially when used daily.

Our first switch? Was a multi-purpose cleaning concentrate. We’ve used Branch Basics for years now. Just dilute it with water and you’ve got a safe, effective cleaner for nearly every mess — kitchen counters, bathroom grime, laundry, you name it. I never looked back.

My Go-To Non-Toxic Cleaning Swap: Branch Basics Cleaning Concentrate
This is the one product that truly does it all — and it’s been a total game-changer in our home.
I use it to clean kitchen counters, bathrooms, mirrors, windows, and even our laundry. It’s plant-based, fragrance-free, and safe for little hands (and big messes).

Tip: Start with the Starter Kit — it comes with refillable bottles and everything you need to make the switch easy.

So, tell me — what brought you here?
Have you had your own “cakey makeup” moment that kicked off your low-tox journey?
I’d love to hear your story in the comments.

In your corner,
Far

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