↓ How do I shop with Beautycounter?

You can shop online or in store (Denver, LA, Boston, NYC, and Nantucket) https://www.beautycounter.com/samanthacarrick

↓ What is the Band of Beauty Membership?

It’s a totally optional no-strings attached rewards program. Members enjoy 10% product credit back on all purchases, free shipping on orders over $100, and a free gift when they sign up. The cost is $29 to join. There are no monthly minimums or requirements, just rewards! (Psst...I offer exclusive savings to my private IG community @sunnyseedco.cleanbeauty)

↓ Are your products “natural”?

Beautycounter is committed to using ethically sourced ingredents (one more reason I love 'em). Most Beautycounter ingredients are certified organic, natural, or truly naturally derived, and they use some of the safer synthetic ingredients too. It is important to know that “organic” and “natural” do not have legal definitions in the cosmetic industry; companies can say that a product is organic when in fact there are no certified organic ingredients in it, or there are only a couple. A lot of products in the beauty aisle also make claims about health: “hypoallergenic,” “natural,” or “doctor-approved” may come to mind. Unfortunately, a lot of these terms are meaningless.

↓ Why does Beautycounter have consultants?

I really believe we want the very best for our health and our children’s, but many have never been made aware of our country’s super lax (almost nonexistent) cosmetic laws and regulations, misleading marketing (known as greenwashing), or feel very overwhelmed reading labels.

Education is the primary reason Gregg Renfew (the founder and CEO) established Beautycounter with a direct-sales component. She wanted it to be personal and relational so consultants could educate the consumer.

A random sales clerk in a department store surely wouldn’t teach you about ingredient toxicity, safety regulations, or long-term health implications. Switching to safer products is a mission that is best told person to person!

While Beautycounter relies on consultants to help their client base, it is not the only channel in which customers can purchase products. Customers can also shop without a consultant directly from the website, through their various temporary partnerships with companies like Goop, Sephora, and J. Crew, or at one of their retail locations.

↓ Why did you join Beautycounter?

The short story: I love the mission and the products. They make it easy to switch to safer.

The long story: Seven years ago, my Dad suddenly passed away. Losing him (only 49 years old) was a huge wake-up call that I needed to take control of my health if I wanted to live a long life for my children.

I learned the products I was using every day contained harmful chemicals connected to serious health implications, including cancer, infertility, autoimmune disease, and so much more. Even some of the "green" brands I was using like Aveeno, Burts Bees, and Method totally deceived me!

I tried hundreds of safer products over the years and was never satisfied with their performance. When I kept researching, I learned these companies didn't actually perform any safety testing and mineral-based “natural” makeup typically contained heavy-metal contamination from poor sourcing. I was so frustrated.

That's when I decided to (finally) give Beautycounter a try. I had written them off as just another direct sales company, but seeing them in Goop and in celebrities’ hands was intriguing.

These products worked better than my old toxic Sephora favorites AND they were tested for safety; I didn’t have to compromise anymore!

The more I researched about the company, the more obvious it became they were pioneering the way. Much to my surprise, I realized having consultants as a genius component of their business strategy. I had blindly judged consultants (sorry!) when truly, most of them were doing the same thing as me – educating and advocating for safer products – they just had better, easier solutions! I joined this mission and have never been more proud.

I’ve helped hundreds of families switch to safer products. I’ve surpassed my teaching salary and get to stay home with my girls full-time. I lead a team of incredible women who have also become dear friends. I’ve earned opportunities to advocate to congress for stricter beauty laws.

It's awesome. When your passion lines up with financial opportunity and fits the lifestyle you want, it’s impossible to say "no."