New Approach
For sometime I have been interested in a "greener" way of life and have been successful at effecting some change in my home. I have either disposed of all plastic items or swapped out for a healthier option -- it seems that no matter how much I get rid of, I still have a need for some plastic but it is far less than I used to have. I have experimented with making homemade laundry detergent which I still do and I prefer cooking from scratch with fresh ingredients rather than using processed foods. My bread maker has had a good workout this past year although I have had to cut down on making bread because my diabetic husband can't seem to control himself and he over indulges. However, because of the bread baking, I can't eat loaf bread anymore. I just don't care for the taste.
So, in light of recent health issues I have turned my attention to personal care products. I have done quite a bit of reading on the chemicals that go into what we put on our skin and since our skin is our largest organ, everything that goes on also goes in. I learned in high school that I am allergic to formaldehyde so I can't use nail polishes that contain formaldehyde so, rather than use and pay for a product that doesn't work very well, I opt to not use it at all. Once in a while I will go for a pedi but not often. I have never dyed my hair because I have always been concerned about the health concerns involved so I started turning gray at 19 and never covered it up. I am still ok with that.
So, that brings me to cosmetics and that is a whole new world of toxicity. Now, I would love to just wash my face, moisturize and go but the reality is that I am a Baby Boomer and if I don't do a little something I run the risk of scaring small children while out and about. However, I have pared down what I do. I used to do a lot of exfoliation, cleansing, moisturizing, toning, and treating the wrinkles and fine lines which aren't so fine anymore. However, after researching many of the drugstore brands I have pretty much banned all of them. I have been using a lot of Origins products and I can't find much on cosmetic database sites about them so they probably won't be coming back into the house either. So, I am using this:
It is castile soap which has an oil base so I am not needing too much moisturizer and what I do use is Aveeno -- plain Aveeno without the soy. It is working fine and I don't see any ill effects to my skin -- plus I feel squeaky clean.
So, that brings us to makeup. I have a love/hate relationship with makeup at best. I love it. I love to look at it, buy it, organize it but I don't love to use it. However, there is that thing about scaring children so I need to do something. I have tried many of the natural/organic makeups and they are all lacking in some way -- mostly that they aren't as natural/organic/pure as they claim to be. So, after doing some research on www.ewg.org (cosmetic database) I chose to try Rejuva Minerals (www.rejuvaminerals.com) and sent off for some of their samples. I received them yesterday, minus one of the items (I don't know why) and I tried them for the first time this morning. They have a large selection of colors and I, surprisingly, hit on one that works well. I ordered two different shades but feel that one will be way too light and I haven't tried it yet. I ordered an eye shadow and a blush but the blush wasn't included and I have sent an email to their customer service. I hope to hear from them today. So far my impression is favorable. The packaging is very pretty -- little cardboard containers with sifter lids. The product went on well and I haven't itched or gotten red at all. There doesn't seem to be any scent to it, or none that I have picked up on -- that means I don't smell like dirt. I wish I could download a photo because they are really adorable little boxes. The samples are a bit pricey -- $10 but there is a lot of product in there and definitely worth it. Since I don't wear makeup every day the sample will last me a while. If I like the blush when I get it I am going to try the mascara and then will probably purge my entire stash and just switch over. That approach fits my new "minimalist" mindset and I will be glad to have less to keep up with, especially if these new products fill the bill.
I have been following a blog -- becomingminimalist.com - and it is very interesting and informative with lots of idea about how to simplify your life and declutter. I have started paring down in many areas and will continue to do so as I like the peace and quiet of having what I need and nothing more. But...that is another blog entry.
1 comment:
I'm a minimalist at heart... we are planning our home to be such. I love Dr Brommers..I use the solid soap for laundry powder.The liquid I use for hand soap,but it can also be used as shampoo and just about any other cleaning job ...I use it mixed to a paste with baking soda (bicarbonate of soda)to clean.
Jane x
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