As I promised you guys, Tuesday's of every week will be dedicated to talking about beauty & health products that are REALLY good for you while also being INCREDIBLY kind to our planet. Three of those products, and the ones I carry in my purse at all times, are "Simply Gum", "Agent Nateur" and Iniva's cosmetic bag. Now, you might be wondering what makes these products different from the commercial ones you see everywhere. Let's start with the most basic one and a daily need in every gum-lover's life. G U M. I bet you didn't know that the ordinary chewing gum you see on every grocery store shelve is filled with artificial and harmful ingredients just like the ones used to manufacture car tires, plastic bottles, white glue, and artificial sweeteners. Sadly, we as consumers are being kept in the dark about which ingredients companies use because the FDA allows gum brands to hide up to 80 synthetic ingredients in the catch-all term "gum base" on the label. How pathetic, confusing and frustrating is that? Specially when, according to research, about 56% of the US population consumes gum giving birth to an industry that generates over $4.3 billion in sales every year!! That also means that more than 178 million Americans are consuming toxic ingredients in their daily minty chewy candy without even knowing. Believe it or not, that includes me as well. I had no idea about this until I started doing more research and came across a fabulous, 100% natural, biodegradable and organic gum brand called: "Simply Gum". This work of genius comes in 6 different flavors- mint, coffee, maple, cinnamon (my fave), ginger, fennel licorice (my 2nd fave)- and is made from the following 6 ingredients: all natural chicle, organic dried cane juice, organic vegetable glycerin, organic sunflower lecithin, organic rice flour and natural flavors. Not to mention that their packaging design is made to perfection (clean, simple and natural!) and carries 15 yummy gum pieces with "post chew paper wraps" for whenever you are done chewing. (See pics below) How BRILLIANT is that? A definite must-have in your pocket or bag. The box of 6 is around $14. A lucky winner will get the chance to win one of the flavors in October's giveaway along with 4 other vegan and natural products. Stay tuned for details in October!

Next is Agent Nateur. The reason why this product made it to my MUST HAVE list is because it has taken me forever to find a 100% natural deodorant that is free of GMO's, parabens, sulfates, aluminum and petroleum while also having a delicious and captivating scent. The ingredients used in this wonderful creation are: coconut oil (nourishes skin and also acts as a bacteria killer), avocado butter, raw honey (NOT for vegans who avoid using honey bi-products), and lavender and eucalyptus essential oils. It smells delicious and comes in a clean, stylish, vogue-looking and beautiful packaging. And of course, this brand does not test on animals. :) (If you haven't heard of animal testing, click here to find out and always look for products labeled as "cruelty-free", "vegan" or "no animal testing".) The 1.7oz sells for $19 and a lucky winner will get the chance to win one in October's giveaway along with 4 other products. Stay tuned for details in October!

And last but not least, Iniva's cosmetic bag. This store is located in Wynwood (Miami, FL) and is slowly changing the way Floridians and tourists view fashion. With a colorful and Africa-oriented store, Iniva promotes and sells products that are not only eye-catching, unique and fashionable but also support African artisans and help children go to school.