I love sensory experience and artistic expression in every aspect of my life, including on my face, in my hair, and covering my body. However, this has not always been coupled with care for my health or my environment. In fact, it apparently means I might get cancer and my precious commodity's production and packaging probably wasn't healthy for anything around me. I've been a makeup junkie blindly brushing carcinogenic concoctions onto every part of my body for too long.
So, a few weeks ago my beauty product collection underwent a major clean up thanks to a little help from the
Cosmetics Database. The database "pairs ingredients in more than 41,000 products against 50 definitive toxicity and regulatory databases, making it the largest integrated data resource of its kind. Why did a small
nonprofit take on such a big project? Because the FDA doesn't require companies to test their own products for safety."
After researching every item in my cabinets I found most of them to be comprised of ingredients that are known to be toxic to my system.This left me with only handful of products that I deemed acceptable for use on my body. Below is a list of items that I've either kept or bought as replacements and have had pleasurable experiences with.
Fresh Start - by theplaidpony on Polyvore.comEveryday Minerals only charges shipping for product samples. Thus far I have been extremely pleased with the results of their concealer, foundation, and eye shadow. The coverage is smooth and blends evenly.
makes a face sculpting, multitasking trio and eyeliner that can be purchased from most drug stores.
Burt's Bees Lip Gloss gives a boost of natural color and shimmer without being overbearing.
Befine makes the best lip serum I've ever purchased. It soothes, softens, and shines. Their facial cleanser is also the only one to date that has made my skin feel clean without being harsh.
Bunny Butt Apothecary Whipped Cream is a truly magical confection. It really is light and fluffy while still completely rich and nourishing. It seems to be the only cream capable of repairing my skin in the winter.
ME!bath Papaya Nectar Body Icing is every bit as delicious as the label claims with an "aroma of a Thai beach in Phuket where the fruity scent of papaya is mixed with the fresh ocean air and warm sand."
Dr. Bronner's Peppermint Liquid Soap "tingles the body and clears the mind. Because therapeutically peppermint oil is a mild stimulant it increases vitality and clarity. All oils and essential oils are certified organic to the National Organic Standards Program. Packaged in 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles."
contains ingredients that are of 98% origin and has recyclable packaging.
has made my hair look healthy, feel strong, and smell lovely.
I opted for sulfate free hair products because of my personal practice of and
positive experience. Sulfates have been shown to strip hair of its natural oils by using a lathering and dehydrating detergent. Bubbles aren't going to clean your hair no matter how cute they are. Don't fall for the "sham in the poo."
