How to Green Your Beauty Routine

Personal care products are a part of everyday life, whether it is make-up for women or a cool aftershave for men. But did you know that you may be putting harmful toxins on your body everyday? According to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics women use an average of 12 beauty products a day while men use about six. Each product contains at least a dozen chemicals, of which less than 20 percent have been tested for safety. Some of these chemicals include carcinogens, neurotoxins, and reproductive toxins.

You're probably asking yourself, "Well, what if my cosmetic products claim to be and safe right on the label?" Turns out that on cosmetic labels words like "natural", "organic", and "herbal" have no legal definition. That means anyone can put anything in a product and claim that it is all natural.

Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to green your beauty and personal care routine. This will ensure that you get the products you can't live without while reducing your exposure to harmful toxins.

Green Your Beauty Routine Tip #1: Use mineral foundation.

It has long been known that liquid foundation is horrible for your skin because it clogs your pores. Well, it turns out that they also have some harmful preservatives in them and can create bacteria. For a green foundation routine, consider applying natural mineral make up with a Kabuki brush.

Green Your Beauty Routine Tip #2: Say goodbye to long wear lipstick.

There is something unnerving about lipstick that actually stays on your lips from morning to midnight. What could they possibly put in it to make it last that long? Try using natural lipstick instead, it may not last as long but at least you know what you are putting near your mouth. If natural lipstick is not an option you can also use regular lipstick that does not last as long.

Green Your Beauty Routine Tip #3: Check your mascara.

If you have been using the same tube of mascara for years you should probably throw it out, not even mainstream mascara lasts that long. Consider using natural mascara and replace it every couple of months to reduce the risk of eye infection.

Green Your Beauty Routine Tip #4: Get used to not having bubbles when using shampoo.

For many people if your shampoo bubbles that means it is working. Apparently that is incorrect. Many mainstream shampoos contain a chemical called Sodium Laurel Sulfate (SLS), which was originally used in garage floor cleaners. SLS produces bubbles while it strips your hair of any healthy oils it may need. To avoid washing your hair with this chemical check the ingredient of your shampoo bottles before purchasing them, or you can learn to make your own shampoo with a tutorial from The Healthy Beauty Project.

For more green beauty advice visit Your Daily Thread, Ecofabulous, and The Healthy Beauty Project.

Sources:

Your Daily Thread

The Healthy Beauty Project

Ecofabulous: The Story of Cosmetics

Campaign for Safe Cosmetics