Let’s all take a moment of silence to remember all of the times we’ve gone into Target intending to only pick up a couple of things, and –$300 later– we end up with a cart full of products we “NEEDED”. With that being said, who doesn’t love Target? This edition of “Made to Matter – Handpicked by Target” is a cruelty-free product collection featuring natural, organic and sustainable brands that provide products with simple, recognizable ingredients! There is nothing worse than picking up a beauty or food product and not being able to read any of the ingredients. This is not only concerning, but also very unsafe; especially for products going on or inside our bodies! These goodies, all handpicked by Target, range from toothpaste to mascara and even laundry detergent.
While I’m going to try to cover all of the bases, I can’t help but start with my favorite product in the whole collection– the Pacifica Natural Beauty Dream Big Lash Extending 7 in 1 Mascara (that’s right, I said 7 IN 1). Since my potentially unhealthy Sephora addiction has evolved, I usually steer clear from drugstore mascaras and stick to my trusty high end faves; but Pacifica has changed the game. First, I have to start with the magical wand, which is customizable for any and every lash desire! With just a twist of the tube, you can go from a super lengthening wand to a short volumizing wand, compressing the bristles closer together. My favorite way to apply this is to start with the lengthening side, then finish off my look with some extra volume. Wand aside, this product also claims to be lengthening, lifting, volumizing, conditioning, extremely pigmented and –wait for it– includes a lash serum! Yes, you heard me right. You can lengthen your lashes long-term everyday during your usual makeup routine with no extra steps. Long story short, this is my new favorite mascara and I will be purchasing a new one after this tube runs out. Plus it’s vegan!
Moving on– let’s to talk about Tom’s of Maine. This collection included the Natural Dry Anti-Perspirant Deodorant and Luminous White Toothpaste. Starting with the DEO for the B-O, I cannot get over this scent. I have always liked the smell of men’s deodorant more than girly scents because, let’s be real–underarms were not meant to smell like strawberries and roses. The North Woods scent is piney and delicious and I cannot get enough of it. On top of smelling great, this deodorant includes antiperspirant with a non-irritating formula– FINALLY! We all get a little (or a lot) sweaty in the blazing months of August and September and it is so hard to find an antiperspirant that doesn’t cause my armpits to get itchy and red! Switching gears to oral hygiene, the Luminous White toothpaste contains anti-cavity fluoride to leave your mouth feeling like you just left the dentist. This toothpaste is minty fresh and clinically proven to whiten and prevent tartar build-up. It is all-natural and contains no artificial colors, flavors, fragrance or preservatives– so it’s extra safe for you and your family.
The SheaMoisture Peace Rose Oil Complex Nourish & Silken Shampoo & Conditioner are so fab they need no introduction at all. The calming rose scent is extremely soothing and the oil complex leaves your hair feeling extra silky (with all natural ingredients, of course)! Read some of Jen’s SheaMoisture reviews here. Another essential in the collection is the YES TO Coconut Ultra Hydrating Paper Mask! Sit back, relax, and soak in the moisture with this ultra-hydrating sheet mask. The Honest Co. Organic Healing Balm and Hand Sanitizer Spray – Orange with Aloe – are perfect to throw in your bag for on-the-go balm and antibacterial spray; plus, don’t forget the Babyganics Moisturizing Daily Lotion for all you moms out there!
On to some household supplies, Target didn’t leave out all of my fellow clean freaks! The Mrs. Meyers Clean Day Vinegar Gel No-Rinse Cleaner has my favorite lemon scent and washes away almost everything without having to scrub and rinse! Made to Matter also included a Method Rebecca Atwood Hand Wash in Pumpkin Clove — just in time for all of the PSL lovers. The Seventh Generation Free & Clear Laundry Detergent Packs contain 0% dyes, fragrances, or artificial brighteners! Each of the packs fights stains and is specially made for sensitive skin. If you’ve been buying a non-cruelty-free Free & Clear detergent (like ALL), this is a PERFECT alternative. I’m so glad it’s available at Target!
Lastly, Made to Matter obviously knows the way to a consumer’s heart is always through his or her stomach! With this in mind, Target handpicked some delicious and nutritious, all-natural vegan foods, including Annie’s Homegrown Organic Bunny Fruit Snacks, Suja freshly squeezed juices, HappyTot Super Smart Organic Pears, Peas and Mangos, and Bitsy’s Brain Food Smart Crackers – Maple Carrot Crisp (Jen told me she ate a whole box of these in two days!). Finally, the Justin’s Classic Peanut Butter with Banana Chips Snack Pack completely satisfied all of my peanut butter & banana cravings — all in 1 bite!
Moral of the story: go make a list of these amazing, safe and natural products for your next trip to Target, take a moment to (be able to) read all of the ingredients, and enjoy! #madetomatter
Kelly Martin is an aspiring writer studying Public Relations at North Carolina State University. Prior to falling in love with makeup and the beauty industry, Kelly was a competitive gymnast and former D1 NCAA diver. You can find her on Instagram –@K_AMbeauty
Very interesting article. I’m a big fan of all natural men products that are organic and cruelty free. I was a big fan of every man jack products at Target. They recently put a new line in there that i’m a big fan of called Marlowe. Target always cares some really cool products from Indie companies that are promoting a more natural and organic way of caring for your body.