Let's face it, breakouts suck- I am talking from ten years' experience. After going on some questionable prescription pills many years ago, my skin went cray cray. It's definitely been a journey ever since, filled with ups and downs (well, mostly downs). As much as I use humor to cover up the fact that these breakouts ruined not only the way I looked, but also the way I felt at the time, the reality is acne can have a long-term negative impact on your self-esteem.

Some days my face looks clear (ish), and I feel incredibly confident, while on other days sudden breakouts make me feel so uncomfortable and miserable I don't want to leave the house. I know, there are cases way more severe than mine but, but I'd be lying if I told you It never impacted the way I see myself.

You often see me raving or bushing skincare products, that's because I never miss the chance to try or make extensive research on new acne treatment products. Before I was getting frequent heavy facials that only further damaged my skin in the long run. Heavy exfoliation simply doesn't work for me. I've switched over to all-natural, organic products that only use raw ingredients in their formulas. My skin has gotten so much better! These days, I stick to a simple, gentle routine featuring super hydrating cleansers with Aloe Vera and tea tree extracts, non-oily face mists rich in Vitamin B3, nutrient-rich soaps, and plant-based moisturizers. 

You will be surprised to know how affordable organic skincare really is. It's a win-win situation! Today I will share with you some top-notch products to not only improve your skin's hydration levels but also unclog your pores or prevent any future breakouts. Best part? Every formula comes from an incredible female-owned business.

Farmhouse is an Atlanta, GA based luxury Wellness Company focused on creating sustainably sourced, high-quality, 100% organic, non-gmo, cold-pressed formulas. These holistic herbal wellness products are vegan friendly, cruelty-free, and come in recyclable/ or reusable packages. "I was a busy mom living in a booming city, I became frustrated by the ingredients in the products that I brought into my home. Out of necessity, I began to make my own skincare products & herbal remedies with holistic and certified organic ingredients 12 years ago" says Toni Simon, founder of Farmhouse Organic. 

You can also find a detailed "How To" guide with product suggestions specifically for your skin type. The "Acne & Breakouts" skincare line is designed to control irritation, prevent future breakouts, clear pores, and heal your pre-existing scarring. Below you will find a collection of helpful products formulated to treat and prevent acne scars and breakouts.

 With more and more brands attempting to be eco-friendly, the number of sustainable collections can be a bit overwhelming. I mean it in the most positive way possible-there can never be too many ethical options. That's why today I gathered some of the best sustainable products to shop not only for the Holiday but whenever you’re feeling like doing something good for the planet. 

I get it, as a street style lover, it can be difficult to resist the need to add new pieces to your wardrobe from some of the well-known fashion giants. However, before clicking the order button, take a moment to think if your actions align with helping the Earth. Do we really need another pair of unethically made black leather boots?

"One of our top missions is to spread love, that's why we decided to donate 10% of all profits. To maximize our impact we chose to donate to somewhere else every month (eg Defenders of Wildlife, Sierra Club, Global Footprint Network..)" - Hippie Cartel

If you answered no, then you are reading the right article. Whether you are looking for the perfect eco tote bag to wear every single day while running errands, a pair of bamboo sunglasses to match all your summer outfits, or even some environmentally friendly storage and electronic options, there is a sustainable brand waiting to fulfill all your shopping needs. With the help of technology going on a sustainable shopping spree was never easier, there is no excuse.

While going green may sometimes be a bit price, there are some amazing options for every budget. If you are thinking of starting a waste-free Lifestyle or simply love to add some unique fashion and wellness products to your collection, dive into the Hippie Cartel's collections before going anywhere else.

Bamboo Sunglasses, 27,99€

(https://www.hippie-cartel.com/collections/more/products/hippie-bamboo-sunglasses)

Bamboo Watch, 36,99€

https://www.hippie-cartel.com/collections/more/products/elegant-hippie-watch

Wireless Charger, 17,99€

(https://www.hippie-cartel.com/collections/green-products/products/wireless-charger)

"We see Hippie Cartel as an important way to make a positive impact & environmental change.That's why we plant a tree for every purchase."

Creamy Bamboo Jar, 9.99€

(https://www.hippie-cartel.com/collections/green-products/products/creamy-bamboo)

10 Bamboo toothbrushes. 15,99€

(https://www.hippie-cartel.com/collections/green-products/products/bamboo-toothbrush)

I first learned about the tremendous impacts of fast fashion during my college years. Throughout my childhood (and early adult years) I pictured myself living in one of the biggest fashion capitals of the world, heavily involved with the fashion industry. However, around the age of 18, I started doing more research on how the fashion industry is a dangerous and toxic environment. My childhood dream was gone for good. I spend the rest of my college years learning more about the ethical and sustainable side of the fashion industry.

What is fast fashion?

Almost everyone knows the meaning of fast fashion, however, we simply don't associate it with big house names like Zara, H&M, Mango, and Topshop. Indeed, all of these brands (and thousands more) are falling into the unsustainable fashion category. The industry is filled with cheap, massed produced clothing that has no durability or quality to them. So, Why people buy them? The sole purpose of the fast fashion industry is to sell as many "trendy" styles as possible for people to use and throw away within a year. Most of the time they come with super affordable price tags, while other times brands like Zara, Guess, Fashion Nova, and Massimo Dutti put up a "high quality" front thanks to their overpriced collections.

Why you should avoid fast fashion?

Most of these clothes are made of polyester( thermoplastics and petroleum). The production of this fabric uses dangerous chemicals for the people and the environment. Most of these harmful materials are non-recycled and cannot be bio-degraded. Surely the 10€ price tag might seem appealing, especially if you have a low shopping budget. Nonetheless, you are heavily contributing to the toxic fast fashion industry that profits by mass selling cheap clothes and not paying their workers livable wages. In most cases, the sewers work up to 20 hours per day for 1€ in countries like China, Bangladesh, and Vietnam.

What about the quality?

The sad reality is that the fast fashion industry wants you to throw away your 5€ t-shirt as soon as possible. After all, it's the only way to make you come back for more. When you throw away a piece of clothing it ends up in the landfills or the ocean, along with all the plastic waste. Plastic needs many decades to decompose.

Our constant need to be trendy and acceptable 

Trends come and go. Seems like every month a new trend pops up, only to be replaced by the next one. The psychological pressure the whole fashion industry pushes to our heads results in our need to constantly buy new trendy styles. 

How to avoid fast fashion?

Even though there are hundreds of exposing videos online, the younger generations tends to over-shop on these toxic giant corporations (I was one of them). Avoiding fast fashion is easier than you might think. 

The beauty of thrifting

The fashion industry has already produced double the amount of clothing we need to dress every single person on earth, therefore we surely don't need any new ones. Constantly buying clothes will only harm the environment even more, not to mention the waste of resources. By choosing second hand you actively help the people involved in this dangerous industry and of course, the pollution of the earth.

Repurpose your clothes

There is no need to only buy, you can always sell your clothes as well. That's a great way to make more money for your future second-hand purchases and more room in your closet. Surely there is a piece of clothing gathering dust right now in one of your drawers, that design might be exactly what another person is looking for. OneOff Vintage shared an amazing guide on How to Sell Vintage Clothes Online. Quick note, I have already sold close to 100 pieces on Instagram and around 20 on Depop. All I had to do was create a new account on both platforms with a relevant name and voila!

Score the best vintage & retro style streetwear

Despite what many people think, thrifting is not a hard (smelly) process. It's actually super fun and a great way to score some amazing retro streetwear styles. I previously posted a guide to the best online vintage clothing stores I personally know and trust. Some of them may also offer custom vintage styles like hand-painted jeans (my personal favorite). Take a look at how to sell pre-owned authenticated luxury fashion if you are on the market for luxury goods.

There are also a great number of sustainable brands that are by no means pricey or exclusive. We all need to spread information about the type of industry so many support. The humanitarian and environmental consequences of our acts are severe, the only thing we can do is start living in a much more sustainable way.

Don't spend your money on the brands bellow

This is a list of the most well known fast fashion brands at the moment.

• Victoria's Secret
• Zara, Pull & Bear, Bershka, Massimo Dutti, Stradivarius, Oysho ( aka INDITEX group)
• H&M
• Mango
• SheIn, Zaful, Yoins, Rosegal
• Asos
• TopShop
• Urban Outfitters
• Primark
• Boohoo
• Missguided
• Pretty Little Thing
• Fashion Nova
• Nasty Gal
• Gymshark
• Anthropologie
• Brandy Melville
• Americal Eagle
• Free People
• GAP
• NA-KD
• New Look
• River Island
• Old Navy
• Guess
• Peacocks
• Forever 21
• Uniqlo

Fast fashion, myself & outfits of the day

Even though I stopped buying fast fashion clothes and accessories, I shared 2-3 outfits from un-ethical brands last year and the years before on my Instagram page. There is a very good explanation for that. Back in the day, when I was trying to create looks without having the means or extra money to do so, I formed many "collaborations" with leading fast fashion companies like SHEIN, Yoins, etc. For some odd reason, many of these brands keep sending me stuff I no longer order or approve based on my previous info.

Sending them back to their warehouse will only impact the environment and the carbon footprint more. Instead, I wear them and re-sell them for a fraction of the price online with the help of Instagram and Depop. When you find me posing in Mango or Guess, I bought them pre-owned. 

EYE-OPENING DOCUMENTARIES YOU MUST WATCH

The True Cost

Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things

River Blue

Unravel

The Clothes We Wear

The Next Black

The Machinists

Sweatshop- Deadly Fashion

Slowing Down Fast Fashion 

New, trendy items come and go with every season. Maybe you find yourself eyeing on some exciting new releases from all your favorite brands, only to realize that your paycheck cannot cover your need for a new wardrobe-I feel you. So, how can you shop all time-classic designer fashion, along with a few vintage pieces that will last a lifetime? The simplest solution is to hold yourself back from buying brand new and venture into buying certain items pre-loved. Especially if you are looking for the best designer and luxury fashion brands to shop at a huge discount.

Since pretty much all of us spend a great amount of time inside, buying and selling pre-owned items has become second nature for most. Thankfully the secondhand clothing market is now rising and booming online. I constantly mention my passion for thrifting. Blame it on my thesis on the humanitarian and environmental impacts of fast fashion, or simply on my desire for buying preloved and retro goods-the outcome remains the same.

The Selling Community, founded in 2016, not only carries a big collection of authenticated items, they also help you sell your pre-loved styles as well. It's a win-win situation. With many new premium additions to their already wide selection, the only thing you have to do is start browsing. If you are a true street style enthusiast, you already know the satisfaction of adding styles with a vintage influence that are now trending in fashion to your collection. Yes, I know I brag about my vintage sportswear a bit too much on my Instagram - I apologize.

Browsing through the Selling Community app, you'll definitely find well-curated pieces for a way lesser price than you might do elsewhere. Note that buying and selling pre-loved has 0 commission. The only thing you are required to do is go through the membership verification program before joining the community. If you are in the market for a classic Balmain graphic tee or want to enhance your urban-style with a Givenchy hoodie, this is a great option for you. Bonus point: All transactions go through Paypal, which ensures the security of its users.