We recently wrote about making the switch to all natural cosmetics, and while we appreciate it isn’t an overnight task, it is an achievable one. To make the switch 100% it will take time, but we’re here to give you a helping hand, as always! Here are three little ways to help you create an all natural make-up bag- baby steps will get you there before you know it.
Why all natural make-up?
By switching to natural make-up, you will
- reduce skin sensitivity
- cut down on the number of toxins that are absorbed by your skin thanks to the chemical nasties in your manufactured make-up
- reduce the number of break outs your skin suffers
- be kinder to animals
- save money
- help the environment with less packaging and less contribution to damaging processes
Does natural make-up mean making your own?
Yes and no. It’s up to you! We think that home-made make-up is just as good as the natural stuff that you see in selected shops, but if you don’t have time to make your own then that’s fine. As usual though, we will be sharing some simple recipes, so have a go if you fancy it!
Three little ways to help you create a natural make-up bag
Swap your lipstick
That bright red lipstick you swear gives you the confidence to knock them dead at work? Your faithful friend on a night out when you’re feeling a little washed out? Yeah. Do you know what’s in it? Reports have shown that some brands contain several hundreds of different chemical compounds, only some of which are natural. Synthetic oils are often used to give you that glossy shine. Artificial pigments and dyes are used; fragrances are added to mask the smell of other chemicals. Some lipsticks have lead added to give them deeper hues.
Do those sounds like ingredients you want to put near your mouth? Do your research. Find a brand that you know has the same ethics as you and read their ingredients list before you buy. OR try this simple recipe for home-made beet lipstick, designed to condition and colour your lips. You need:
- 4 teaspoons St. John’s Wort Oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated beet
- 1 teaspoon beeswax
- 8 drops orange essential oil
- 8 drops lemon essential oil
- 5-6 lipstick molds or small tins
Simply pour the St. John’s Wort Oil over the beet and allow it to sit in a covered jar for three days. Then strain and squeeze out all the oil (wear gloves to avoid staining your hands). Gently melt the beeswax into the beet oil, then remove from the heat and ttir the essential oils in thoroughly. Pour into molds and allow to cool. These lipsticks will last for one year and the best thing is that you know exactly what’s in them!
Be brave and swap your eye make-up
You need to be REALLY careful about what you put near your eyes! But there are some natural products that you can use if you want to go all natural. Remember that there are brands out there who make natural cosmetics, but if you are determined to make your own, it can be done! Wellness Mama has a brilliant article about it all, with some general tips on other products too- well worth a read.
You can also make your own eye shadow- read this fantastic guide from Thank Your Body for tips and tricks.
Get rid of your nasty make-up remover
And at the end of the day, what do you use to take it all off again? Have you read the ingredients lists on that make-up remover lately? Most products use no less than around 16 different ingredients, only one or two of which are natural. So not the best way to remove the day. Make your own instead! All you need is coconut oil! Simply apply with your fingers to the eyelid and under eye, and use gentle sweeping motions to remove make-up. Done!
There’s a common misconception that natural cosmetics don’t work. That’s just not true! Try these three little steps today and see if you’re ready to make a bigger commitment!
