Making the Switch to Handcrafted Cosmetics
- Eva
- Dec 3, 2014
- 4 min read
I want to give some insight as to why I share natural remedies and DIY's on The Good Spell Book. At-home aromatherapy projects are one of my beloved hobbies; something I truly love to support. When I was experiencing acne breakouts a few years ago with no signs of relief, I decided to test out alternative methods to combat my problem. A lot of reoccurring issues I came across while researching proper skin care were the effects of chemicals in beauty products. I was frightened by the amount of toxic ingredients in my skin care products that I had allowed myself to ignore. Were these chemicals making matters worse? I had, had enough of it and ditched my old cosmetics to look for something safe and natural. At the time I was unable to find healthy, organic products that were readily available and contained nothing harmful. I thought perhaps I could make my own home remedies but I needed to know more on such a vast subject so I purchased Organic Body Care by Stephanie Tourles and The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Worwood. I wanted to feel inspired but most importantly, learn something useful. These books were incredibly eye opening, filled with recipes and tips that promote a healthy lifestyle. This concept was completely new and thrilling to me. I could purge toxic products from my possession and replace them with homemade, natural remedies I had handcrafted myself. Being able to determine the products you use down to each ingredient inside it is a great way to enhance and seize control of your lifestyle.
After experimenting with skin repairing potions, I took a greater interest in the trade of at-home beauty care. I spent my time searching for ancient, natural beauty remedies and safe cosmetic brands. Now there are many resources available when it comes to safe beauty products, such as EWG's Skin Deep Data Base which allows you to look up just how harmful your favorite cosmetics are. There are also countless organic beauty companies sprouting up that supply customers with eco-friendly, chemical-free products. It's exciting to see a movement like this flourish with the growing trend of green cosmetics. After all your skin is your largest organ, why not keep it in the best condition possible?
It's interesting to see what methods are still being used today (clay face masks for example) and which one's caused fatal illnesses (arsenic was the main ingredient in many beauty products decades ago). I feel that people are conditioned to buy commercial, mass produced items because they are convenient, trendy, cheap, and we don't know any better. I was a victim to this habit as well. We are not given any warning on products as to how much damage the chemicals in your beauty regimen can cause. It is downright shameful on the brands part. Without thinking, we are slowly poisoning and aging our bodies with parabens, lead, sulfates, fillers, and other nasty substances just for a quick fix. What ever happened to the celebration of old time processes? Think of the feeling of accomplishment, the reward of success when you've harvested your own ingredients, completed a lengthy project with stunning end results to share. I have a new appreciation and gratitude for producing natural beauty products and cosmetics.
This is a movement I can stand behind. From skin regimens to hair care, it's all something I find very interesting when incorporated into aiding one's well being. I have gained a lot of experience and knowledge of what my personal needs are over time: pure nourishment. My skin is much more manageable now that I know the products I use are not causing any issues (not just for my skin but for the environment as well). I find it very empowering having control over something the media takes advantage of... you! Depending on your lifestyle your cosmetics may also contain harmful ingredients. I urge you to look in your make up bag and your medicine cabinet. Take the time to research what harm these products are causing. Try replacing one item in your daily ritual with a natural alternative, just to see if you like it. This is a serious topic that definitely is worth the time to explore. An at home apothecary is rewarding and beneficial to one's health, so start by exploring our growing list of DIY beauty posts below to live as mindfully as possible or shop our apothecary must have's below:
OUR APOTHECARY STARTER SELECTION
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