Gluten Free Face Moisturizers – by Kara from the Diva Team

As a former Mary Kay rep, I know how important it is to cleanse AND moisturize your skin. I was anxious to dig into this particular area to find out what many of our most popular brands contain in their moisturizing products and whether or not they are safe for those who avoid topical gluten. So, if you live with the topical form of Celiac Disease (DH), you don’t want to chance ingesting it, or if you just don’t want gluten anywhere near you, this list is just for you.

Yes to Cucumbers –  According the Yes to Cucumbers rep, “The Yes to Cucumbers moisturizer is gluten free, but with that being said, there are other products processed in the same factory that contain gluten and soy, so there is a possibility of cross contamination.” This delightful product is certified organic, 97% Natural, and is free of Parabens, Phthalates & SLS, which is always an added bonus! The website is chock full of great information, so I would recommend taking a moment to check it out!

Burt’s Bees Intense Hydration Day Lotion – This 99% Natural product not only claims to be gluten free, but the Burt’s Bees rep mentioned that ALL products will clearly state whether gluten is present. The rep also added, “It is produced in a facility with gluten, so therefore cannot be certified gluten free as it travels on the same manufacturing line as other products.”

 Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturizer –“There is NO added gluten in this ‘Simple’ moisturizer and all products will be clearly labeled, including barley, oat, rye, and other possible gluten contaminants,” said the very helpful rep from Simple. This particular moisturizer is targeted for sensitive skin, with no artificial fragrances, no dyes, and no harsh irritants. It also doesn’t hurt that it is dermatologist tested, non-comedogenic, and hypoallergenic!

Avon ANEW REVERSALIST  Renewal Serum –This product, according to the Avon representative, does NOT contain gluten. He did not specify if there was a chance of cross contamination, but did confirm that it is gluten free.

Avon ANEW REVERSALIST Night Renewal Cream –It’s always a plus to have a night renewal cream that is gluten free and also reduces fine lines and discoloration. You will be safe with this product from Avon, which is easy to order either online or through an Avon consultant. 

Neutrogena Naturals Multi-Vitamin Nourishing Moisturizer – Neutrogena’s rep stated that this particular moisturizer is gluten free, but is not tested after the product is manufactured; therefore there is always a possibility of cross contamination.

Oil of Olay Regenerist Daily Regenerating Serum, Fragrance Free – “If we add gluten to any product, it will be listed in the ingredients. However, if the product is NOT fragrance free, it could have a very low level of gluten added towards the end of manufacturing,” quoted the Olay rep. This is great knowledge to have if you enjoy Oil of Olay products, because they produce many options that are fragrance free. Just make sure to check the label for NO gluten and NO fragrance.

May your skin be supple and soft, while you remain safe and feeling great! What a good combination! Happy moisturizing!

Kara (Diva Team)

*If you have a gluten free face moisturizer that you love, please dish it!

We asked our Facebook readers to select their top 3 chain restaurants for gluten free eating. Over 500 votes were cast and here are the results for the best gluten free chain restaurants. PSA: Eating out is always a risk, so don’t hesitate to talk to the manager at your local chain restaurant and use your best judgement.   

 The winners for the best gluten free chain restaurants, as selected by our Facebook readers, are:

1)      P.F. Chang’s China Bistro

The words “Asian restaurant” and “gluten free” aren’t usually put in the same sentence, but P.F. Chang’s changed that!  Before placing your order, inform your server of your dietary needs. Your server will show you the section of the menu that is dedicated to their gluten free guests. You can choose from starters, fried rice dishes, sides, and wonderful entrees—spicy chicken, Mongolian beef, lemon chicken, pepper steak, ginger chicken, shrimp with lobster sauce… the list goes on and on. Then conclude your meal with a flourless chocolate dome! All gluten free items are served on a specially-marked plate. Also gluten free sauces can be delivered to your table.

 “Asian food was one of the hardest things for me to give up when I went gluten free. When I found out that P.F. Changs (and their lower-priced sister, Pei Wei), both have gluten free menu options, I was thrilled! We save P.F. Changs for special occasions and we’re never disappointed! The gluten free options are always fresh and flavorful!” -

*My favorites: Chicken Lettuce Wraps, Beef A La Sichuan, and the Flourless Chocolate Dome.  P.F. Chang’s Gluten Free Information (Click on Gluten Free)

2)      Outback Steakhouse

The gluten free menu at Outback contains a lot of incredible options. Remember to read the alterations to each item and reiterate those things to your server. For example, if the instructions say to “order without seasonings,” be sure to order that way. It also important to remind the server to mix your salad in a clean bowl with no croutons.

“Outback is our go-to date place! My husband and I can eat here and not break the bank. We split a large steak or the prime rib entrée. I eat the salad and we split a baked potato. We rarely get out without splitting a Chocolate Thunder from Down Under. Well, ok… I eat ¾ of it and let him have a few bites.” 

*My Favorites: Ribeye, house salad, baked potato, and the Chocolate Thunder from Down Under. Outback’s Gluten Free Information

3)      Red Robin Gourmet Burgers

Red Robin is famous for tasty burgers and you’ll love all the gluten free options! You’ll be able to pick from various burgers, chicken, sandwiches, and salads. At my local Red Robin, they offer gluten free buns and also cook fries in a dedicated fryer. Gluten free meals are brought in different color baskets.

“One time, I attempted to order a burger from their regular menu and asked for a gluten free bun. When the server entered my order, the computer sent her a red flag due to the sauce used on that burger. The manager came immediately to inform me about the ingredient in question and encouraged me to change my order.”

*My Favorite – The Royal Red Robin Burger with Udi’s bun and their amazing Red Robin fries. (Before eating the fries, be sure to ask if they are cooked in a dedicated fryer.) Red Robin’s Gluten Free Information

4)      Chipotle Mexican Grill

Everything on the Chipotle line is gluten free except for the large and small flour tortillas. This includes their corn tortillas (hard and soft) and their tortilla chips. They are happy to change their gloves at your request.

“I eat at Chipotle quite often. The staff knows me and I appreciate the amazing flavors they offer. I generally have a burrito bowl, salad, or corn tortilla tacos. My local Chipotle offers the most delicious white corn tortillas I’ve ever eaten. I either eat them without warming (to avoid cross contamination) or ask them to cover my tortillas with aluminum foil before putting them in the warmer.”

*My favorite – Corn tortillas, black beans, fajita veggies, chicken, tomato salsa, roasted corn salsa, sour cream, and cheese. Chipotle’s Gluten Free Information

5)      Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A takes food allergies and dietary restrictions seriously and they write procedures to help training their employees. It is important to note that they don’t have a gluten free prep area, so the procedures are helpful to avoid cross contamination. My local Chick-fil-A has a dedicated fryer for fries and the fried chicken is not fried in that oil.

“Sometimes we need a quick dinner on the go! Chick-fil-A is a great option, especially for kids. They will love their grilled chicken nuggets. My local place is great for those of us with dietary needs and they have a dedicated fryer. Be sure to call your local Chick-fil-A and see how they can accommodate your needs.

*My Favorite: Chargrilled Chicken Club (no bun) or Grilled Nuggets, Chick-fil-A sauce, and waffle fries or salad. Chick-fil-A’s Gluten Free Information

Thanks so much for stopping by. Do you have any restaurants you’d like to add in the commet section? We’d love to hear from you.

Melissa (Diva Team)

Many parts of the world are well acquainted with the gluten free diet, which makes travel a breeze! Don’t be surprised if a highlight of your trip is the amazing food you eat! However, you might travel to a country where the people have no knowledge of your dietary restrictions. If you take mission trips or humanitarian aid tours, you understand that you are not always in control of your food—where you eat, when you eat, or what you are given to eat. This creates challenges. Here are some things to keep in mind.

• Bring food. Always pack a supply of gluten free bars in your checked luggage. Each day, pack
enough food for that day. Remember that some countries limit the food you can bring into the
country, so educate yourself. Generally, it is only fruits and vegetables that are restricted.

Practical tip: Carry a small supply of gluten free snacks in your carry-on (no liquids, of course).
Save them for the plane and for your first day at your destination. If your checked luggage is
stuck in Botswana for 2 days, you’ll be glad to have something to eat. If you use topical gluten
free products, carry small samples of those with you as well.

• Start each day strong. If you are staying at a hotel that offers breakfast service, attempt to talk
to the chef and share your needs. If you can start each day with a good breakfast, you’ll be set.
You might not be able to eat a meal for lunch or dinner, so eat up! If your hotel or host does not
offer breakfast, consider taking gluten free protein powder with you.

Melissa, her hubby, and a precious girl they met while traveling abroad with Compassion International.

Practical Tip: If you do not speak the language, plan ahead. Bring a short, but descriptive note in
the appropriate language, so communication is easier and more effective. Keep the note with
you. (Translations are available from www.glutenfreepassport.com.)

• Eat when you can and be flexible at other meal times. Be prepared to skip a meal or two during
your stay. If you can start your day with a goof breakfast, you’ll be set.

• Educate yourself. Before traveling, always research what foods are common to the area. Be
familiar with local ingredients and understand your options. Diets in many third world countries
are based on naturally gluten free products!

• Refrain. If the food looks questionable, refrain. If you are traveling with a translator, make
sure they are aware of your dietary needs and the seriousness of your situation. There has
been numerous times when my translator has graciously run interference with a well-meaning
hostess. I understand that there are times when it is culturally inappropriate to reject food, especially in a home setting or a third-world country. If you are traveling with a friend or spouse, work out a plan. My husband is fabulous at this. He has strategically swapped plates with me hundreds of times! I eat what I can (or at least move it around), and he eats the rest.

• Be vigilant.For example, if tourists have been advised not to drink the water, then don’t. You

The children that Melissa and the Compassion team worked with on her recent trip to Columbia.

don’t want to follow your diet successfully, but then get sick from the water. Remember, that
means no raw fruit or vegetables that have been washed in that water (unless they have a peel),
no ice cubes, no tap water, etc. That includes keeping your mouth shut while you shower and
using bottled water to brush your teeth.

Practical Tip– If you are in a country where you can’t drink the water, place a hand towel over any faucets in your hotel room or residence. Every time you reach for the handle, it will remind you not to drink it. It is strictly for hand washing.

No matter where you travel and where you eat, you’re taking a risk. Keep a positive mindset and remember that you are storing memories. Do your very best to stay healthy and happy on your journey. Bon voyage!
Melissa (Diva Team)

 The 5 Manufacturers of the Flu Vaccine

1)Sanofi Pasteur- The rep said “no gluten is added to the shot. But we cannot guarantee that any materials brought into the plant are not subject to cross-contamination. However, if you are allergic to eggs, do not get the shot. It’s cultivated in egg whites.” They also offer a mercury and preservative free vaccine. You can contact your local Walgreens to see if they carry this manufacturer’s vaccine.

2) Glaxzo: The rep said, “our flu shot is gluten free and is not subject to cross-contamination.” When I pressed her on how she knew that, she couldn’t provide any more details other than she was a little irritated that I kept digging, lol. Oh well, I gotta do what I gotta do!

3) Novartis Vaccines: Fluvirin is the name of the vaccine they distribute. They said, “there is no gluten added to the shot and cross-contamination is not possible”. There is a preservative free version in individually wrapped doses (shots), but trace amounts of mercury are present in these individual shots. The multi-dose vial (shots available at clinics where they are drawing the vaccine from a large vile to make their own individual shots), preservatives are present.

4) MedImmune: They produce the FluMist that in inhaled and not a shot. According the to rep, it has no gluten, mercury or preservatives added to it. The rep could not guarantee anything when it comes to cross-contamination.

5) Merck:  The rep stated that “no gluten is added to the product. Also, no mercury or preservatives are in the single dose, but they are both present in the multi-vial.

What I Learned:

1) Make sure you get a “pre-filled” syringe of the flu vaccine. The multi-vials (shots made in the clinic by a DR from a large dose of the vaccine) often contain mercury and preservatives.

2) Many of these are manufactured overseas, so cross-contamination could be a remote possibility or not at all. Many of the US companies didn’t have that information, but felt cross-contamination was extremely unlikely.

3) Eggs are present in the making of all the vaccines, stay away if you are allergic to eggs!

Bottom Line?

Yes, the flu shots are gluten free in the fact that no gluten is added to any shots or mists. Heeeeeeeere comes that annoying disclaimer “due to unknown cross-contamination in the manufacturing plants or raw materials, it could be (but highly unlikely) possible.” There you have it and the rest is up to you! This post isn’t to advocate for or against the flu shot, just wanted you to have the information so that you can do what you feel is best. I really really hope this was helpful, it was kinda wild to wade through all the info and get to the bottom of it. Hugs to all of you, thanks tons for stopping by.

Lauren-Lucille Vasser

AKA- Nancy Drew.

For me, over a year ago, I had my hair dyed and got sick almost immediately for a week. I felt soooooo weird, odd, strange and sick. In an effort to see if I was nuts, I did it again 6 weeks later and felt just as bad for over a week. Can I explain how my body absorbed the gluten if Celiac experts say it’s not possible? Nope. I’m not totally convinced they are correct… But what I can tell you is that those hair products contained gluten and that I reacted violently both times. So for me, it’s topical gluten free hair dye forever and always. Plus, many GF hair products are much less toxic and more natural. I dig that. No toxins, no sickness, sign me up.

1) EcoColors – These colors are gluten free, sulfate free and paraben free. This line of permanent gluten free hair colors may be found at salons. But you can also order them online, they are available in 15 colors.

2) Loreal Superior Preference: This is a permanent color available in 47 shades and it lasts up to 8 weeks. It can be found at Walmart, CVS, Target, Amazon.com, Sears and more.

3) Morrocco Method: This is a gluten free, vegan, raw, all natural line of henna hair color that can be ordered online. I have tried this color and I won’t lie, it was pretty messy and the smell was extremely potent. The color turned out pretty good, it really conditioned my hair. They have some really cool products and I love knowing that when I use them, nothing toxic is getting on my body.

4) Wella Professionals: This is a color used in salons. Please be aware they don’t add gluten to any of their coloring products, but can’t guarantee trace amounts won’t be present from the manufacturing process.

5) Aveda: All of their hair dye lines including their Permanent, Demi-permanent (called a deposit line) and Deep Line of hair color for those with dark colors have no gluten is added. Please be aware that many of their other products do contain gluten.

6) Garnier Fructis: All Garneir Fructis hair color lines have no gluten added. This includes the Nutisse, Nutrisse Ultra-Color, Herbashine and Nutrisse Nourishing Color foam. You can find these lines at Walmart, CVS, Duane Reade, K-Mart, Target and Walgreens.

7) Redken: They have 12 professional hair coloring lines. Wowsers. Which means you need to call their hotline (1-800-423-5280), or better yet, have your stylist call a couple of days before your appt to see if the particular shade and line that your stylist uses is gluten free.  While on the phone with them, the one line (that is for darkening hair) that they knew was gluten free was The “Shades DQ Cream.” The “Shades DG gloss” HAS gluten added, but the “Shades DG Cream” line is gluten free. The Fusion Line of Redken also HAS GLUTEN IN IT.

8) Splat Hair Color: Splat does not contain any gluten. If you want to dye your hair pink, blue, red or any other wild color, this is your product line You can find it at Walgreens, CVS, HEB and more.

***Note Worthy: Clairol could not confirm gluten free status based on fragrances in the products. All Revlon lines of hair color (AKA- Color Silk) contain gluten and John Frieda would not commit to be gluten free or gluten filled, I’d stay away.***

That wraps up this post. Thanks tons for stopping by!

Hugs,

Lauren-Lucille Vasser

AKA- The Celiac Diva

Gluten Free Body Wash/Shampoo List for Kids and Babies

Johnson’s Natural 3-in-1 Body Wash, Shampoo and Conditioner: This product is hypoallergenic, paraben free and dye free. Plus, they even list where each ingredient is derived from on the website. I dig that.

Baby Magic Bubble Bath: Check this out, ALL Baby Magic hair and body washes and lotions are gluten free, paraben free and hypoallergenic and .  You can find them at target, CVS, Amazon and Toys R Us and Babies R Us.

Organic Kids Body Wash: This gluten free body wash is also chemical free, paraben free, sulfate free and preservative free.

Disney Baby Daily Natural Wash: This Disney body wash has no gluten added, it hypoallergenic and is paraben-free, dye-free and sulfate free. You can snag it at Walgreens, Toys R Us or Babies R Us.

Suave Kids Moisturizing Body Wash: Suave maintains that if any wheat, oats, barley or rye is included in their washes, it will be clearly labeled on the bottle. Fab.

Method Squeaky Green Kids Body Wash: I love Method products, & it’s a major bonus that the entire line is GF. This body wash is 99% natural & hypo-allergenic. I have found Method products at Target, Kroger, Duane Reade, Babies R US & grocery stores with any type of “natural” section.

Thereneem Organix: This organic kids body wash and shampoo-in-one is Paraben Free, Sulfate Free, Gluten Free , Cruelty Free & Vegan.

Green Beaver Body Wash: This plant based cleaner is certified organic, nut free, gluten free, vegan, biodegradable. It’s suitable for kids and toddlers. I have found Green Beaver products in natural food stores. Great brand.

California Baby: This shampoo and body wash is for newborns and up. It’s sulfate free and contains organic and vegan ingredients. It’s designed for really sensitive skin of all ages. This line is available at Target, Babies R Us & Whole Foods.

Babyganics Extra Gentle Body Wash: This wash is fragrance free, paraben free, sulfate free, toxin free and all natural. I find this line at Babies R US.

As always, double check ingredients as products are subject to change (had to throw the legal jargon in there, lol).  Thanks tons for stopping by and for sharing your journey with me.

Hugs,

Lauren-Lucille Vasser

AKA- The Celiac Diva

PS- Don’t forget to check out the Diva Discount Card coming soooooon.

• A) The difference between Celiac, gluten intolerance/gluten sensitivity.
• B) I’ve been gluten free for over 6 months and still feel sick, now what?
• C) Please perform a dance about living GF that includes the robot, a forward roll & glitter.

Option *A* won the vote this week, but never fear…*B* is next weeks content and *C*…wellllll, there may be some gluten free hip shaking in an upcoming episode. Okay, on the to the task at hand…

Gluten Sensitivity and Gluten Intolerance are two terms that can be, and often are, used interchangeably. These terms describe any health problem where the underlying cause is gluten. That’s right, these terms cover the spectrum from light gluten intolerance/sensitivity to Dermatitis Herpetiformis (skin manifestation of Celiac) to Celiac Disease. Celiac Disease is the most severe form or gluten intolerance/gluten sensitivity. So, every person living with Celiac Disease, is gluten intolerant/gluten sensitive. However, to clarify, you can be gluten intolerant/ gluten sensitive and not have Celiac.

(Non-Celiac) Gluten Intolerance or Gluten Sensitivity: According to recent Wall Street Journal Article, “Dr. Peter Green, director of the Celiac Disease Center says that research into gluten sensitivity today is roughly where celiac disease was 30 years ago.” The bottom line is that we are still learning what non-celiac gluten intolerance/ gluten sensitivity really is.  According to a recent BMC Medicine on Celiac and Gluten Intolerance/Gluten Sensitivity: “Gluten-sensitive individuals (GS) cannot tolerate gluten and may develop gastrointestinal symptoms similar to those in Celiac Disease, but the overall clinical picture is generally less severe and gluten sensitivity was not accompanied by:

• The presence of tissue transglutaminase autoantibodies (these auto-antibodies cause auto-immune diseases)  -OR-

• Autoimmune comorbidities (Comorbidity is the presence of another diseases in addition to a primary disease, AKA Celiac plus another auto-immune disease).”

Here’s another excerpt from the Wall Street Journal: “In the new study, researchers compared blood samples and intestinal biopsies from 42 subjects with confirmed celiac disease, 26 with suspected gluten sensitivity and 39 healthy controls. Those with gluten sensitivity didn’t have the flattened villi, or the “leaky” intestinal walls seen in the subjects with celiac disease. Their immune reactions were different, too. In the gluten-sensitive group, the response came from innate immunity, a primitive system with which the body sets up barriers to repel invaders. The subjects with celiac disease rallied adaptive immunity, a more sophisticated system that develops specific cells to fight foreign bodies. Dr. Fasano hopes to eventually discover a biomarker specifically for gluten sensitivity.” Mrs. Kupper, executive director of Gluten Intolerance Group of North America, concluded the article with, “for now, a gluten-free diet is the only treatment recommended for gluten sensitivity, though some may be able to tolerate small amounts. There’s a lot more that needs to be done for people with gluten sensitivity,” she says. “But at least we now recognize that it’s real and that these people aren’t crazy.”

Celiac Disease (the word “Celiac” is from the Greek word “abdominal”) is the most severe form of gluten intolerance/gluten sensitivity. Celiac disease is an auto-immune disorder (the immune system attacks itself) that damages the lining of the small intestine (the villi) and compromises the absorption of nutrients. Celiac Disase is a permanent intolerance to gluten (which means 100% no tolerance policy when it comes to gluten- do not consume it for ANY reason). The villi absorb our nutrients, so when these are destroyed, the body experiences malabsorption of minerals and vitamins such as Vit A, B12, B6, K, Calcium, Magnesium and the list goes on.

The Wall Street Journal  put together a diagram that I thought was really helpful…

Dermatitis Herpetiformis (according to the Columbia Disease Center in NY) is the skin manifestation of Celiac Disease. It is characterized by an extremely itchy, watery blister or rash that is found on the limbs, trunk, face and scalp. The blisters are often mirrored on both sides of the body or face and reoccur in the same areas. The eruptions are often mistaken for and treated as other skin conditions including psoriasis, infected mosquito bites, contact dermatitis, allergies or “non-specific dermatitis.”

It’s important to note that non-celiac gluten intolerance, gluten sensitivity and Celiac Disease are NOT allergies. A Gluten Allergy (according to Health Now website): One develops allergic symptoms due to the immune system “labeling” something as a toxin or foreign invader. This reaction is created by a specific immunoglobulin (a protein designed to fight toxic or foreign substances) named immunoglobulin E or IgE for short. This is different than an:

Auto-immune reaction: which means the body attacks its own cells. The immune system mistakes some part of the body as a pathogen (infectious agent) and attacks it’s own healthy tissue.

What does all of this mean? It means that many of us avoid gluten for many different reasons, but the culprit is what ties us together: Gluten

*****************************************************************************

Okay, I hope I didn’t butcher that, lol. please keep in mind that we are constantly learning more about all of these conditions that are triggered by gluten. And as our numbers grow, so will our voice and the knowledge of these conditions. To those who don’t have Celiac, but have “non-celiac related gluten intolerance/gluten sensitivity”, I say to you, you are important, your condition is real. Don’t let anyone let you feel less of a person because you don’t have Celiac, be thankful you don’t have Celiac. Celiac Disease is often take more seriously because the ramifications of this disease are serious. I got my bone scan results today and I’m on the border line between osteoporosis and osteopenia. I won’t lie, I know it’s going to be fine, but I cried. It’s hard to feel so young and yet know that my insides are feeling so old. I cried for the years that I unknowingly didn’t know I was damaging my body so severely, I cried for the loss of years I had while seeking a diagnosis. I’m a pretty positive chick, so every once in while, I give myself permission to let it out, to mourn…so that I can move on to the joy in my life and to the work at hand. So… I cried…. because some days I’m acutely aware that this disease encompasses so much more than a gluten free diet…

So to those who have Celiac, keep pressing!!! Hang in there and keep rocking and rolling until you are as healthy as possible! And to those with gluten sensitivity, I applaud you for your courage to live a gluten free life even though non-celiac-gluten-intolerance/sensitivity is not as well known as Celiac Disease. But it will be one day, it will!!! We all deserve to feel the best we can no matter the reason for our challenges. So to all my Celiac, gluten intolerant, gluten sensitive, gluten allergic, and dermatitis herpetiformis friends: hang in there, treat yourselves well and stick to your gluten free guns.

*Hugs*

Lauren-Lucille

Since gluten tried it’s best to destroy many beautiful years of my life, I have no desire to have anything to do with it. In fact, it would suit me just fine if gluten crawled into a deep dark hole and never found it’s way out. That being said, in truth, it’s not an emotional decision as much as the the fact that I don’t want to accidentally ingest it during my daily routine. It’s way too easy to inhale my hairspray as I try to tame my hair into submission, or swallow my conditioner as I try to shave and and wash my hair at the same time in a rush for a hot date with my man. So when people ask it they need gluten free cosmetics, I always share that’s it’s my opinion that your lipstick, lotions, lip glosses, hair sprays, hair gels, shampoos, soaps and conditioners should be gluten free. Each of these items can easily find their way into your mouth and thus damage your intestines. So, yes, it’s a pain in the toosh when you first seek out these items, but thankfully, these items are available to us. Has my doctor said we shouldn’t would worry about topical gluten? Yes, he has. And I respect that. But for me, I feel like when I walk out of my door, I have to be on alert about gluten, there’s not a day off from it. So in my home, I choose to make it a safe zone. That way, if anything accidentally gets in my mouth, it’s no biggie. Has it been easy? Nope. Worth it? Yup. Cause now, I can bite my lip as I’m nervously waiting to sing at a musical theater audition or spray my hair to my hearts content without a worry in the world. So I wanted to share with you a few great gluten free makeup options out there in the event that you either react to topical gluten or have chosen to ban it from your life too.

Afterglow cosmetics: If you LOVE bright color and organic options, this is your line. The quality of the products are suburb and long lasting. If you’d like to learn more, you can check out my Afterglow Costmetics Review .

 Pure SKN cosmetics:The customer for this line loves shimmer. If you love shiny and naturally looking gluten free makeup, this is your line. I’m obsessed with the blush and lip gloss. If you’d like to learn more, you can check out my The Pure SKN Cosmetics Review.

Gluten Free Beauty: Kristen, the founder and owner, is committed to making toxic-free, gluten makeup, very cool. I have tried her products and the moisturizer serum is delicious for the skin!

 Peacekeeper Cause-metics: This company has a line of gluten free, affordable lip and nail products. They focus on low toxic products and donate a portion of the  proceeds to women who are in need.  They have a wonderful mission. If you’d like to learn more, you can check out my The Peacekeepers Cause-metics Review.

Red Apple Lipstick: This company truly has the most amazing gluten free red lipstick! They have an entire line of gluten free and paraben free lipsticks and beautiful shiny glosses. I’m a fan!

No Gluten Natural Girl is a line of makeup that prides itself on being natural, gluten free, and extremely affordable. The owner, Debbie, is a Celiac and she’s fabulous. NGNG has a lot of different options. I loved the lip liner, the mascara, the eye pencil and the eye shadow.

So those are a few makeup lines that are gluten free and that I trust. Are there others out there? Sure, and I’d be happy to hear about them if you have one you just love! Can I find main stream makeup that’s gluten free? You bet, absolutely.  But to be totally honest, with many of them, we run the risk of cross-contamination. So while I may use a few main stream products that I know are gluten free and don’t bother my skin, I will always grab my lip products from one of these companies I’ve listed above so that I’m not taking any chances with my what I put on my smackers.   So, what about you? Do you use gluten free makeup? If so, what line? Dish it! Thanks for visiting my site,

Hugs,

Lauren-Lucille V.

“The Celiac Diva”

1) Buy a Toaster JUST for the GF Folks in the Home: Crumbs live in the toasters, in fact, I’m pretty sure they have parties in our toasters after we go to sleep. Thus, if you put a gluten free piece of bread in a toaster that’s ever, in it’s life span, had one piece of gluten containing bread in it, your little piece of GF heaven is contaminated. Thus, forgo the crumb party and snag a GF toaster stat. Let the GF person pick it out and be a part of the process. If you have a GF child, let them decorate the toaster with stickers, make it special!

2) Buy Flour Sifters and Pasta Strainers JUST for the GF Cooking: Gluten is sticky and tricky…it loves to hide in strainers, so if you dig cooking in your home, snag GF sifters/strainers asap.  Also…make sure to have it labeled with a sticker, tape, or buy it in another color so it won’t get mixed in with the evil gluten sifter….that is correct, gluten is now the Darth Vader to you, Princess Gluten Free Leia…or Lucas.

3) Dedicated GF Cutting Board: Crumbs not only have parties in our toasters, but after they are partied out, they like to hibernate in the nooks and crannies of cutting boards, so buy a dedicated GF cutting board and keep it in a dedicated gluten free area.

5) No Double Dipping: With peanut butter, jelly and regular butter, etc- if you are confident your family won’t double dip, wonderful. If you even remotely suspect that could be an issue (I love my man, but don’t trust him one bit with my peanut butter, lol), you can: A) Use squeeze bottles. B) Buy dedicated GF peanut butter, jelly, butter etc and LABEL it gluten free. C)  Buys glass jars and put the ketchup, peanut butter etc in labeled glass jars to keep the separation between gluten and gluten free really clear…again, this is fun for kids because you can be creative.

6) Gluten Free Utensils: With your cooking, have dedicated gluten free spoons, spatulas, etc. An easy way to tell the difference is to have all the utensils, flour sifter, cutting board, etc be a different color than the gluten using utensils (idea courtesy of Dietitian Anne from Dr. Schar). -OR- Label them with stickers or tape.

7) GF on Top in The Refrigerator: Put all the GF items on the top shelf. This way, gluten containing crumbs via breads or dishes, etc won’t accidentally fall into the GF dishes.

8) GF on Top in Your Pantry: In your pantry, gluten free foods ALWAYS go on top. Gluten is an equal opportunist and loves to fly around trying to spread the love (which should now make you cringe), so keeping GF foods on top to prevent the waterfall of glutenous crumbs onto your GF goodies is a must. I personally have my own GF cupboards, that way, I don’t even have to think about it…I like things easy breezy.

9) Pots and Pans: If you are 100% confident in your ability to thoroughly clean the pots and pans, then sharing them for use in a gluten/gluten free menu is fine (PS-never boil gluten-free pasta in the same water that cooked gluten-containing pasta) and OH! (PPS- if you use the same bowls etc, make your gluten free foods first). I personally have my own pots and pans. It’s given my stud and I more peace in our home. I do share baking sheets with his gluten eating ways though, I just use parchment paper so I know that it’s safe.

10) Storing Flours: This is the easiest one, put your wheat flours (and any flour with gluten) into sealed/tight containers and put them in an isolated area of your kitchen.  Have you ever opened up a flour package and seen how it goes everywhere?! It’s a sure fire way to inhale wheat. Might as well snort the stuff, lol- gross! Seriously though- stay away from kitchens where gluten containing flours are flying around. Or ban them from your kitchen, like moi.

If you have a tip that’s helped keep you or your gluten free loved ones safe, please share! I love hearing how you all are navigating your gluten free life in a gluten filled world. Here’s a tidbit about me: I had my own mini-fridge for the first year. I didn’t trust anyone, lol. Now, even though I’ve gotten the hang of things…the mini-fridge remains a safe haven for many of my gluten free goodies. Will I keep it? ….only time will tell.

*Lauren-Lucille ….AKA…The Celiac Diva