My Natural Beauty Vow for 2017

I spoke a little last year about how things changed in my 20’s and how I uncovered an interest in actually caring for my skin, and shared with you some beauty products that I’d trialed, tested and loved. This interest has developed furthermore in the past 6 months as I’ve begun to actually stop and consider the ingredients in many of the products we splash on our skin every day.

We’re taught from infancy that chemicals are bad, and certainly never ever to be consumed. And I’ve always been aware that much of what we eat and use on a daily basis has nasties that while considered ‘safe’ are obviously not ideal as part of our diets or regimens. I’ve pondered this more so recently, especially since travelling to India and learning more about Ayurveda, and decided that it’d be one of the things I add to my to-do list this year; reduce the chem intake in my life.

As the largest organ of the body I think I owe it to my skin to finally consider it as part of my goals around health & wellbeing.

I’m not about to give up graphic design and become a chemist, and I’m also not about to create added stress for myself by cutting chems out cold turkey, but I will vow in 2017 to stop, and think. Over the coming months I’ll begin to create a shortlist of natural products that use less of the bad and more of the good. Basically, I want to replace the items I use everyday without thought, with more considered options. Starting with the most obvious – Toothpaste, Deodorant, Facial Products, and… fake tan (because it’s simply unrealistic to assume I’d give this up!).

Dr Bonner’s Cinnamon Toothpaste

I’m loving this toothpaste. I bought it based on the ++ review on Nourished Life and was pleasantly surprised, will buy again! I’ve also bought a tongue scraper (I’ve long known there’s health benefits to tongue scraping but finally got myself a scraper! You can get one here).

Earths Purities Liquid Deoderant – Bianca for Her

This is going to be a potentially smelly process of trial & error, lol. For years I’ve used supermarket bought mens roll-on, I prefer the scent and it does its job! but I don’t like the idea of rolling aluminum into my pores and have wanted to change this for a long time. My first trial was Earths Purities roll-on, and I’m pleasantly surprised but I don’t think it’ll be my forever go-to. Summer has been a perfect time to trial deodorant as I’m a pretty sweaty beast. This one kept the stank away all day but has a strong, natural scent which while pleasant, just isn’t my cup of tea for every-day all-day wear. A good first choice, but stay posted as I trial more options!

Trefiel Brightening Lace Anti-Aging Hydro Mask

This plant based gel mask is beautiful and left my fairly sensitive skin looking refreshed. I’m prone to breaking out after mask treatments which is why I rarely do them, but I’d heard such good things about Trefiel and want to take better care of my face now that I’m in my 30’s. The mask itself is made of fine lace and covered in the brightening gel which has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and skin-healing plant extracts. It’s cooling upon application which was awesome on a hot summer arvo, and really did leave me feeling wonderful. They also offer Firming, Moisturising and Repairing masks which I’m sure are equally luxurious & effective.

Dr Hauschka Clarifying Face Care Kit

I chose this kit as it’s a good way to trial a few products all at once, and because I had this brand recommended to me by my friend and Meditation Teacher. The Kit contains Cleansing Cream, Toner, Day Oil, Day Cream & a few other goodies. So far so good. With a description stating these products are ‘Certified Natural, non GMO, Sustainably Sourced & Certified Cruelty-free’ they’ve got to be good right? So far I’m enjoying the cleanser & toner, although the moisturizer isn’t the best for MY skin and with combination skin that gets VERY dry in winter it isn’t really an option to skip moisturising, so I’ll continue my search. I’m also keen to try the Dr Hauschka makeup, but for the time being I’ll stick with my go-to mineral makeup which is Synergie Minerals.

UPDATE: I started using the Dr Hauschka Clarifying Day Oil, and LOVE this product. This is the one.

Sol Marr Organic Dark Organic Tanning Mousse

Sol Marr’s dark tanning mousse is organic, vegan friendly, 100% Paraben free, and offers a smooth natural tan which I’m super happy to advise! It’s also Australian made & enriched with a cocktail of actives and extracts to ‘reduce the signs of ageing, promote collagen production, treat skin imperfections, nourish and hydrate’. I’m so happy I found this product… Sol Marr get it. Their whole approach is about ensuring that what we put on our skin, wont harm what’s under it. This is a winner, and for bonus points they offer free shipping in Aus.

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It feels good to give a damn. And we should. I also finally went out and got myself a cute glass drink bottle which has already made a massive difference to my daily water intake simply by having it sit directly in front of my face on my desk. And of course ‘glass’ is the operative word here because I know I’m not drinking water that’s been sitting in a plastic bottle absorbing nasties for god knows how long. So, that’s that – I’ve STARTED, and that’s the key to success! It’s not going to be easy but it’s going to be an important part of my narrative for creating and nurturing the best version of me this decade, so bring on the challenge.

If anyone is sharing me in this natural beauty journey, add your feedback or favorite brands/products in the comments below! I’d love to hear what everyone is using!

N x