Why?? Because my sister told me to...really...
She says I have too much information about beauty and makeup to only share it with a select few...But I feel that before I can officially kick-off the start of this blog, I must first preface it by giving you my perspective on the beauty industry.
I feel just like in any big industry, there is a lot of corruption. It feeds off women’s insecurities and tries to convince us that this new product will make us feel happier, prettier, and solve all the world's woes. The idea that some women, especially young women, walk around feeling ugly and undervalued because they do not fit the norm of what being “pretty” is breaks my heart. I in no way want to perpetuate this idea that a woman's only worth is through some market executives' definition of beauty; however, I do wish to spread the message that every person has the right to feel beautiful in whatever way they wish to express it.
I also feel that the industry is full of false-claims. How many times have you shelled out the money for some product that claimed to erase your wrinkles or clear your skin, just to find out that it did nothing, or even worse, you ended up having a bad reaction to it? Have you ever given any thought to what ingredients are used in your beauty regimen? If you haven't, check out this article: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/beauty/article-1229275/Revealed--515-chemicals-women-bodies-day.html
Maybe you decided that instead you will use products that are supposed to be good for you, because they are labeled "organic" or "natural" just like the food you buy. Only problem is that the FDA does not regulate the beauty industry like it does food and drugs. If you want some really interesting reading about exactly who is regulating your cosmetics, check out this page found on the website for The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. Products can tout being “organic” or “natural” but in actuality it may contain ingredients that are hazardous to your health--even carcinogenic. It is so important to be informed about what you are buying.
I would suggest that everyone take the time to read Not Just a Pretty Face by Stacy Malkan (http://notjustaprettyface.org/). It is loaded with research and anecdotes about how beauty products can make you and your family sick. After doing all this research and reading, I cannot just ignore the claims others have made. This does mean that I sometimes come off as being a beauty product snob...I’m weary of drugstore products, and I always check the ingredient list on new products. I think people forget that their skin is an organ, and what you put on it should be given the same thought and care as what you put in it.
Does this mean that I have been able to convert totally over to natural, organic products?? No, but I am headed in that direction. Over the past two years, I have managed to greatly reduce the number of chemicals and toxins I expose myself to. A good place to start educating yourself about the products you are using is the Environmental Working Group database known as Skin Deep, which rates the safety of beauty products on a scale of 1-10.
Through this blog, I would love to share with you what I have learned and what new products I have found that are a safer and healthier alternative for your body.
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