As a part of my living a bit more environmentally conscious this year (next to going vegetarian + avoiding conventional retail) I also want to try to use as many organic and preferably vegan cosmetics as possible. Sadly I’m often struggling with allergies, especially when it comes to natural cosmetics, so I always have to be careful about what I’m using (getting dry skin and itchy eyes from your face cream is probably not the best outcome). Still, there’s some I’m already using and I can’t wait to try the following:
First of all, I’m not the biggest fan of natural/aluminium-free deodorant since it frankly just doesn’t work as good. Sadly, conventional deodorant is connected to a higher risk of getting breast cancer (among other things). I’ve read amazing reviews about this deodorant so far, so I can’t wait to give it a try soon.
2 | The Body Shop Colour Crush Lipstick in The Right Mauves
I already own this lipstick in Enraptured Red (a darker shade of red perfect for winter) and can’t recommend it enough! It’s got a really nice texture and actually survives a whole day (if I’m not going out eating greazy food that is). A few weeks ago I tried my friends plum/mauve lipstick and loved it, so I have to get my own soon.
3 | The Body Shop Tea Tree Range
As with the lipstick above, I already own the Tea Tree BB Cream and I’m quite pleased with it. It keeps my skin clear without drying it out, the smell is fresh and nice and it lasts all day. I will definitely get the rest of the tea tree range once I use up the products I already have at home. By the way, don’t you just love the Body Shop? Best value for money with organic, fair cosmetics in my opinion.
4 | Lilla Bruket Hand Cream
There’s no practical reason why I want to try this hand cream: The packaging is beautiful. It smells amazing. That is all.
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Did you try any of these products yet? Do you prefer organic or conventional cosmetics? And is there anything that’s not on my list that you swear by? Let’s chat.
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Picture by the talented Helena La Petite.
I really really need to try the Tea Tree range from The Body Shop as well. I have yet to buy anything, but I’ve heard so many great reviews.
:] // ▲ itsCarmen.com ▲
I’m trying to go for more natural cosmetics too, and fortunately I haven’t met any allergy problems so far! I’m often buying from the French brand Yves Rocher, though their products are not always completely clean in terms of harmful chemicals. But they do have products that contains a lot of natural ingredients, and some of them are even certified organic cosmetics and I choose to use mostly these ones. It is the same with The Body Shop actually, they have great products, made in the UK and not tested on aimals, but not all of them are certified organic cosmetics and it’s better to check the labels as some of their body butter and scrubs, among other products, contain parabens.
As for deodorant, I read once that the BEST deodorant (but NOT anti-perspirant, which is anyway bad stuff) is baking soda. It’s a very powerful odor neutralizer, so if you choose fine organic baking soda and rub it onto your armpits, you won’t smell. Having said that, I haven’t tried it myself yet.
Anyway, the best way to know what goes into your cosmetics is to make them at home when possible, for example you could make hydrating balms using ingredients like coconut oil and other vegetable oils (avocado, almond, oilve, argan, …), shea butter, beeswax, etc. Adding essential oils will make them smell good and have interesting properties but you wshould be cautious with them if you have allergy problems. I love the website Hello Natural for finding great homemade cosmetic recipes!
Hanna’s Places is a green lifestyle magazine written by Hanna Ulatowski. It’s all about slowing down in a fast-paced society and finding ways to live a more sustainable, simple lifestyle.
January 20, 2015
Well I only tried Body Shop’s Tea Tree range a couple of years ago and it didn’t really work out for me. But I’m pretty sure it’s my skin being problematic because I have several friends who swear by those products. And since you already use some products from that range I’m pretty sure it’ll be alright. Besides, what I love about Body Shop is that (in addition to their natural ingredients etc.) you can try and if you have an allergic reaction or something like that you can return the product in a week.
The others look amazing as well! Especially the hand cream.