Written By: Marisa Chambers
With the overwhelming amount of beauty products to choose from in the isles of drug stores and the shelves of the salon, it can be difficult choosing the right one. Women and men may buy products based on smell, popular brand name, or even the nice looking labels. What you may not know to look for is what the product actually contains.
The campaign for safe cosmetics released a list of ingredients and contaminants to avoid when shopping for hair products, skin care, makeup, and any other regularly used beauty products. (you can find that list here) These “chemicals of concern” are some of the most harmful things that your beauty products can contain, some of these include sulfates, silicones, preservatives, and parabens. This campaign also tells us every health problem these harmful chemicals are linked to. Having this information, I started being more mindful of the products I purchased. Buying products that are labeled “organic” or “100% natural” is the best way to keep away from the “chemicals ” and keep your hair and skin healthy. Here is a few that I use that are all natural and work fantastically.
OGX Argan Oil of Morocco- 4oz bottle for $5.50 at Target
This is my go-to product whenever my hair is frizzy. As someone with thick and curly hair, any humid weather is my hair’s worst nightmare. A few sprays of this product will tame any flyaways or frizz in minutes. It also adds shine and illuminates your hair in the natural sunlight without looking greasy. It’s easy to throw in your bag or keep in your car for those hair emergencies. A few spritzes of this product will definitely do the trick, so this bottle will last you at least the whole summer.
Burts Bees Lip Balm with Peppermint Oil- $3.30 for one tube at burtsbees.com
This popular lip balm contains beeswax which conditions skin and Vitamin E which is one of the best moisturizers for your lips. Chapped lips is something I just won’t tolerate. It happens with wind, extreme cold, and prolonged sun exposure. As someone who loves to be outside, I make sure I always have Burt’s Bees on me. The peppermint oil immediately cools and hydrates dry lips and unlike most lip balms I’ve used (looking at you eos) it doesn’t need to be re-applied every half hour.
Marula Foaming Cleansing Oil- $34 for a 7.10 fl oz bottle at marula.com
As a college student, I break out in stress acne at least once a month. A good face wash is essential, especially for girls who love makeup and sometimes forget to take it off before falling asleep studying or watching Netflix (guilty). While this oil is more of a delicacy (therefore more expensive) it is absolutely worth the splurge when you have some extra money to spare. This face wash is lightweight and gentle, and although it feels oily when being applied, your face will never be softer. A quote from Ashton Kaidi,MD on Marula’s website states”pure Marula oil is packed with healing and reparative ingredients. When used daily it helps replenish skin moisture and fight free radicals. I routinely recommend it to my patients to help reduce their redness and inflammation.” (Source)
Hempz Herbal Body Moisturizer- $23 for a 17 oz bottle at ulta.com
We all get dry skin at some point, especially with the harsh winters here in Fitchburg. Sometimes applying certain kinds of lotion once a day isn’t enough, but that isn’t a problem with Hempz. The description of the product states “Hempz Original Herbal Body Moisturizer is enriched with 100% Pure Organic Hemp Seed Oil and blended with natural extracts to provide dramatic skin hydration and nourishment to help improve the health and condition of skin. Hemp Seed Oil is one of nature’s richest sources of Essential Fatty Acids and Key Amino Acids containing natural proteins, vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals, vital for healthy skin conditioning. Paraben Free. Gluten Free. 100% Vegan.” I have never found a better lotion and the 17oz bottle lasted me about three semesters. Your skin will be left feeling silky, not greasy or oily, so what’s not to love?
So do your body a favor, go all natural, you can thank me later.
Categories:
All Natural Beauty
May 10, 2016
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