Chemical Free Beauty

My name is Sarah and I have a problem. I love cosmetics, hair products, nail polish, scented body lotions, and pretty much any highly chemically infused beauty product.

It's terrible, I know. And over the last few months I have become increasingly aware of what we are putting in our bodies and putting near our skin.

I will say that it's really, really hard to avoid chemicals, because they are everywhere, but I am doing my best to keep myself and my family as healthy and as chemical free as possible.

But making my own laundry soap, and avoiding processed foods, and growing a garden, and making my own shampoo and goat milk soap doesn't really do any good if I continue to use cosmetics and beauty products and other daily toiletries that are known carcinogens.

It's quite scary actually. And I don't mean to be a debbie downer, but the more I read and educate myself, the more freaked out I become. And I mean FREAKED out!

Soooooo where do I go from here? I went through and looked at what products we are using that have some of (or all) of the ingredients listed in the above article. I will either need to make my own, buy organic and chemical free products, or stop using the products (which is highly unlikely).

* Bubble Bath- I found some ideas here on how to make your own bubble bath since my two younger children still take baths. Apparently I need to begin making my own bubble bath. Like right now.

Photo Credit: Sun Coat Products

*Nail Polish- I cannot not paint my toes. It's an obsession  of mine, and my little girl has become accustomed to painted toes too. And since making my own is out of the question, I looked and found this review and explanation of the chemicals used in nail polish. This review also gives some products that are better than most mainstream polishes. Most likely Whole Foods will carry these. I hope. I think it's time I say goodbye to Revlon and say hello to more chemical-free brands.

*Make-Up Remover- My mother always told me to never sleep with make-up on. Ever. I normally buy whatever is cheap in terms of facial soaps, but clearly that's a problem (chemically speaking). For the past few weeks I have just been using the goat milk soap I make to wash my make-up off at night, and so far, so good. I use my homemade goat milk soap in my laundry soap, we wash our hands with it, we are now washing our hair with it, and now it's my face wash. It's mild enough for my face but it definitely cleans dirty hands after an afternoon of gardening. I might make some unscented soap to use specifically on my face and since I know exactly what's going into the soap, I know it's organic and chemical free (and altogether yummy!)

* Facial Moisturizer- I have really, really dry skin so it's imperative that I moisturize at night. For the past year or so I have just been using petroleum jelly. It does a number on my pillow, but it keeps my dry skin happy and the fine lines at bay. I did read that it was known to cause cancer, but apparently the refining process eliminates any carcinogens??? As a back up, after I research Vaseline more thoroughly, I have used coconut oil on my face. And yes I also cook with it, and yes that's a little weird, but hey, a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do. I use the coconut oil to make my soaps as well and I rub it on the ends of my hair to keep it conditioned. So either of those options moisturize well and seem to be chemical free.

*Body Lotion- I would LOVE to make my own goats milk lotion, but the ingredient list to do so is substantial and I'm a little worried that I may have to order everything offline, but if it means avoiding harsh chemicals against our skin, it would be worth it.

*Sunscreen- I have seen recipes to make your own, but I think I'd be concerned with its effectiveness. I have heard of a mineral based organic sunscreen called Lavera that is supposedly chemical free and non-toxic. The prices are reasonable considering, so I think I'll go ahead and switch to that. Now I just need to go find Micah's debit card..... :)

*Toothpaste- I saw this post and am now inspired to make my own. Micah says he draws the line there, that he doesn't want homemade toothpaste, but maybe I can talk the kids into it....

*Bug Spray-  When I'm at home, I have a mosquito plant my mom bought me that seems to work well. I also make my own bug spray with rubbing alcohol and citronella or lemon essential oil, but I do carry bug spray around when I have to (I get eaten up by bugs) so I make sure to look for a spray without deet.

Photo Credit: Saffron Rouge

*Make-Up- I basically only wear eye make-up. I don't wear lipstick or concealer. I try and use Vaseline for chapstick when I can or cocoa butter, but I do have a love for lipsmackers (but there's lots of chemicals). Burt's Bees makes a great chapstick, and someday when we get bees, I'd love to make my own.

So the eye make-up still presents a problem. I have looked into making my own, and it seems do-able, but I love mascara. Can you make your own mascara? I don't know. I did find this organic make-up company that uses only minerals and plant extracts. The prices are, uhmmm, not so exciting. What's a girl to do? I know all the harsh toxins and chemicals are horrible, but I can't justify the prices. Uhmmmmm.  For the moment, the eye make-up dilemma will be on hold. I'd like to research other ways to make my own, and maybe I'll just suck it up and buy organic mascara. Maybe.

So what do you think? Any ideas of your own? Do you have an organic, chemical free beauty product that  you love? I'd love to hear about it. :)

I'll continue to find ways to keep my family safe and healthy and chemical free, and I know I have lots of room for improvement, but I'll always share what I find out with you! :)

~ Sarah ~