20 coal-based beauty gifts we actually hope we get in our stockings this year
Do you remember the fear of waking up to a Christmas stocking full of coal? It surely was inspiration for being good! Santa had a whole list of naughty children whom were getting coal that year, and now in 2016, we hope that we’re on it! Why? Coal has infiltrated our beauty routine in the form of activated charcoal and we don’t know how we survived without it. According to Lush Cosmetics, charcoal is the carbonized wood from oak, ash, hazel and chestnut trees. While young, the trees are cut, stacked and seasoned for a year. They are then burned for up to 16 hours, until the wood is carbonized and ground into a fine, black powder.
This powder that we recognize as activated charcoal can be used internally and externally for amazing beauty and health benefits. Taking internally, in pill form (or our favorite, Charcoal Lemonade!), it works by trapping toxins and chemicals in the body, allowing them to be flushed out so that they are not reabsorbed. Externally is a lot more fun, as you can see here with our 20 favorite coal items we hope to get in our stockings this year!
From sponges and brushes to cleansers and masks, get ready to bring some charcoal!
Boscia White Charcoal Mattifying MakeUp Setting Spray, $38
White charcoal works to control oil and minimize pores, so that we can have a soft matte finish that is part makeup, part skincare. We love it!
Boom! Toothy Tabs, $9.95
Charcoal actually balances the PH of your mouth while working to whiten teeth and prevent cavities. The coal absorbs plaque while leaving us with a totally clean smile. We love these sudsy tabs from LUSH because they taste like cola!
Bamboo Charcoal Detoxifying Soap Bar , $12
This Bamboo bar is surprisingly sturdy compared to others that we have tried. The bar is a solid choice for blemish-prone skin, and we love how soothing the tea tree and bergamot oils are!
Cleansing Body Polish with Active Charcoal , $28
This body polish is totally awesome for our neck, chest, and arms! We love to use is to exfoliate.
Yes To Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Paper Mask , $2.99
YES TO products have become a staple on our Target shopping lists. This little mask is only three dollars, but it holds up next to its more expensive counterparts!
Pore Refining Solutions Charcoal Mask , $25.50
We love this Allure Best of Beauty winner. The face that it comes in a handy tube means we can choose to do a full mask or spot treatments!
Earth Therapeutics Charcoal Exfoliating Gloves, $7
These exfoliating charcoal-textured gloves leave our post-shower skin oh-so smooth!
Bioré Deep Charcoal Cleanser , $5.99
Bioré has been a beauty trend favorite ever since they got us hooked on nose strips! We love the deep cleansing of this cleanser — and you can’t beat the power for the price!
Coalface Facial Cleanser, $14.95
Don’t let the hard look Coalface fool you, it practically melts in your hand and in your heart. You can buy pre-cut ounces from the website, but for an extra treat you can visit Lush and get whatever sized cut you’d like!
Garnier SkinActive Cleansing Towelettes, $5.99
We can finally give our Garnier micellar water a break thanks to these cleansing towelettes that are especially oil absorbent! They are perfect for all the days we will be spending at the gym come January!
Deluxe Charcoal Antibacterial Brush Set, $62
We are SO EXCITED about these. The bristles are infused with charcoal to keep them extra antibacterial, but we still have to wash them though. Oh, the chores of a beauty addict!
Dr. Jart+ Pore Minimalist Black Charcoal Sheet Mask, $7.50
We are already total fans of Dr. Jart+ at-home peels. This charcoal sheet mask is sure to be just as amazing! We love that it has tingly spearmint added.
Dark Angels Face and Body Cleanser, $13.95
The instructions say to use a pea-size amount but trust us — once you get this mud on your face, it’s hard not to use the whole tub. The black sugar and charcoal team up perfectly and we love that it is gentle enough to use daily.
Milk Makeup Charcoal Cleanser, $28
This charcoal cleanser is part of a collab with MILK makeup and Urban Outfitters. We love that MILK is a vegan, eco-conscious company that uses as little preservatives as possible.
Konjac Cleansing Sponge With Bamboo Charcoal, $15
Boscia is basically the bamboo charcoal empire. We probably could have done a shopping list with them alone. One of their best products is this Konjac cleansing sponge which has totally replaced our silicone scrubbers.
Origins Clear Improvement Body Soap, $18
How cute is this charcoal body bar from origins? Holiday bonus: It’s already wrapped!
Philosophy Microdelivery Detoxifying Oxygen Peel, $62
We don’t always have time or money to hit the spa, especially around the holidays! Lucky for us, Philosophy has this super easy at-home peel that is one part charcoal, one part oxygen = all parts awesome.
Earth Therapeutics Charcoal Mesh Sponge, $3
Is it just us or do shower puffs need to be replaced constantly? Maybe we are just attracted to the variety of colors the handheld poms come in. Either way, at only $3, make your next replacement this charcoal-infused mesh sponge for extra special exfoliation!
Black Chamomile Body Lotion, $13.50
Anything with SLEEP in large letters draws us near. (We spend way too many late nights on the internet.) This charcoal and chamomile lotion is part of the aromatherapy line at Bath & Body Works and it smells amazing!
Himalayan Charcoal Clay Body Mask , $24
This body clay is so luxe, we forget we’re not in a spa. Perfect for post-family holiday relaxing!
