A big thanks to The Eco Chic for allowing me another week to guest post. This isn’t something The Eco Chic would normally blog about (added by The Eco Chic: actually it is a topic I’m well versed in) — this topic is more of something I have decided to educate myself about to be as healthy as I can be and a better consumer. As always I encourage your thoughts and comments.
As I mentioned in a previous post, I’ve changed the way I buy stuff. I don’t go to the store and stock-pile anymore. Not so long ago, I prepared for a hurricane when it was just a wave off of Africa. I am SO NOT KIDDING. In my mind, preparing = buying.
I realize now that since we live on the water, if a hurricane is coming, we are out of here and I’m not going to worry about taking my 67 cans of stock-piled soup with me. In the past, when we didn’t get a category 4 hurricane direct hit (thank God), my stock-pile of stuff would expire and I would throw it away.
My new way of living has gotten me thinking about other areas of my life that could use modifying and after reviewing my habits, I realized something very scary. Before I walk out of my house in the morning to go to work, I use 20 products. Whoa. Right?
Soap. Shaving cream. Shampoo. Conditioner. Body wash. Body lotion. Deodorant. Sun block. Foundation. Blush. Lipstick. Lip gloss. Eye shadow. Eye liner. Mascara. Loose powder. Hair straightening cream. Hair spray. Hair shine infuser. Perfume.
You’d think I am Miss America with the need to be so presentable. The truth is, as I’ve shared, I am a tax accountant. I sit at my desk all day surrounded by spreadsheets and adding machine tape stuck to my windows to track projects. Nobody in my office cares what I look like. Most days, the only time I speak is when I sing along to Pandora.
I care what I look like but spending a fortune on beauty products and wasting the Earth’s resources and energy to be as unnatural as possible? It makes no sense.
So what’s a vain me to do?
A few months ago, I researched chemical free and natural skincare/haircare. I never used ANYTHING tested on animals yet the stuff I used on my own head was toxic. I quickly learned that makeup is made up of several Toxic Metals which include the following: Trienthanolamine, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Quaternium-15, Propylene Glycol Petrolatum, p-Hydroxybenzoic Acid Benzyl Esther, Nitrosamines, l-Naphthol and 2- Naphthol, Mineral oil, Lanolin, Hexamenthylenetetramine, Formaldehyde, Bronopol, and Mercury.
I don’t know about you, but I can’t say those words… yet I was putting this stuff on my body.
Here is a fact: woman who wear makeup on a daily basis can absorb almost five pounds of chemicals into their bodies each year. It has been proven that when chemicals are absorbed in the skin they are also absorbed directly into the blood stream. These five pounds of chemical intake from makeup each year has been stated to flow directly to several delicate and fragile organs. Health effects may include brain and learning disorders, vomiting, skin rash, cramps, mouth sores, etc.
I’ve made the switch to use more natural brands and purchase products which use less of the Earth’s resources. Sometimes, my decision is based on something as simple as packaging. If there was cardboard, plastics and extra materials used to “sell me” I don’t buy it because I don’t want to pay extra for the extra fancy package.
So now it’s your turn. How many products do YOU use?
(Credit to Susan Cressy for the names of toxic materials)
Added by The Eco Chic: Mama M and my dear readers here is a list of past posts or resources that I go to for more information about health and beauty products:
- Why Choose Eco-Friendly Products, The Eco Chic, March 2009
- EWG’s Skin Deep, Cosmestic Safety Database. You can enter a product name and find out if you should be concerned with the contents and why.
- The Smart Mama blog. and her book, Smart Mama’s Green Guide (affiliate)
- The Story of Cosmetics – please take the time to watch the video!
A genuine smile can enhance your beauty
more than any product!
minu recently posted..Best Full Coverage Body Makeup: Achieve Flawless Skin All Day
Switching to natural skincare and mindful consumption is such a smart and eco-conscious choice! It’s amazing how small changes, like avoiding toxic products and excessive packaging, can make a big impact on health and the environment.
Sheikhn Robiul Islam recently posted..Lazy Girl Nail Art Ideas That Are Actually Easy
I’ve discovered so many amazing products at ulta beauty.
I absolutely love Best Lip Gloss, and your list has some of my all-time favorites!
Marjan recently posted..30 Short Haircuts for Fall That Will Convince You to Get an Autumn Chop
:i read your content grat post on skincare. its very helpfull content for anyone looking to improve skincare
hamida recently posted..The Best Face Wash for Acne-Prone Skin
Roses In Hand sounds stunning for a getaway. There is nothing better than high-performance Beauty that fits right in the palm of your hand!
Monjurol Alam recently posted..Hello world!
Beauty Product is a broad topic, and different products work differently for everyone depending on skin type and needs. That’s why choosing the right beauty product matters.
love it,Best Body makeup
product.
Tasfi recently posted..19 ‘Pretty Pretty Princess’ Nail Ideas That Are Nostalgic As Can Be
love it,Best Body makeup
product.
Tasfi recently posted..19 ‘Pretty Pretty Princess’ Nail Ideas That Are Nostalgic As Can Be
love it,Best Body makeup
product.
Tasfi recently posted..19 ‘Pretty Pretty Princess’ Nail Ideas That Are Nostalgic As Can Be
Good beauty products
can make a real difference in daily skincare. Choosing the right beauty products helps bring out a natural glow and confidence
Good beauty products
can make a real difference in daily skincare. Choosing the right beauty products helps bring out a natural glow and confidence
“Absolutely! Beauty Products
really depend on your skin type and needs, so choosing the right one is so important. I always make sure to pick products that suit me best!”
Good beauty products can make a real difference in daily skincare. Choosing the right beauty products helps bring out a natural glow and confidence. I have read your blog and i really like it.
“Wow, this article really made me rethink my daily Makeup routine! I had no idea my foundation, mascara, and even blush could be packing in so many toxic chemicals. Switching to natural and eco-friendly products isn’t just a glow-up for my skin—it’s a glow-up for my health too! ✨ #MakeupWithPurpose #EcoBeauty”
Noor recently posted..At Ralph Lauren Fall/Winter 2026, Heritage Meets Fantasy
I really appreciate your honesty in sharing this journey — it’s eye-opening to realize how many products we use daily without questioning what’s in them. Making the shift toward cleaner ingredients and more mindful purchasing is such a powerful step, not just for the environment but for our bodies too. It’s inspiring to see how awareness can lead to smarter, more intentional choices for better long-term health
Such a powerful reflection on how we define beauty
and what it’s really costing us. It’s eye-opening to realize how easily beauty routines can turn into overconsumption — for our bodies and the planet. I love the shift toward more mindful, natural choices. True beauty shouldn’t come at the expense of our health or the Earth.
mshossen recently posted..Tips for Hosting a Taylor Swift Inspired Girl Scout Troop Meeting (Cadette & Senior Girl Scouts)
This article offers an insightful perspective on health and beauty products by addressing their potential risks alongside their benefits. It effectively raises awareness about ingredient safety and encourages readers to make more informed and conscious choices in their personal care routines
This article provides a thoughtful look at health and beauty
products, highlighting both their benefits and potential risks. It raises awareness about ingredient safety and encourages more informed, mindful choices in personal care routines.
Switching to natural skincare and mindful consumption really is a powerful step toward a healthier lifestyle and a cleaner planet. Small changes—like choosing non-toxic ingredients and reducing packaging—can create a lasting impact over time. I’ve also come across some great options at Ulta Beauty that make it easier to explore eco-friendly and skin-loving products. It’s inspiring to see how conscious choices can still feel enjoyable and effective!
“Absolutely Beauty Products
really depend on skin and needs, so choosing the right one is much important. I always make sure to use products that suit me best!
“Absolutely Beauty Products
really depend on skin and needs, so choosing the right one is much important. I always make sure to use products that suit me best!
Sayma recently posted..A Taylor Swift-Favorite Designer and ‘Soft Serve Hair’: Inside Gigi Hadid’s Wedding Guest Look
This is a clear and helpful explanation of beauty definitionand its meaning. I especially like how the definition highlights that beauty can be both physical and connected to the mind and senses. The example makes the concept easy to understand. Thanks for sharing this useful resource!
This is a clear and helpful explanation of beauty definitionand its meaning. I especially like how the definition highlights that beauty can be both physical and connected to the mind and senses. The example makes the concept easy to understand. Thanks for sharing this useful resource!
This is a clear and helpful explanation of beauty definitionand its meaning. I especially like how the definition highlights that beauty can be both physical and connected to the mind and senses. The example makes the concept easy to understand. Thanks for sharing this useful resource!
This is a helpful discussion. I always think checking the ingredients and product quality is important before trying a new beauty products
.
Absolutely skin Products
really depend on skin and needs, so choosing the right one is much important. I always make sure to use products that suit me best!
This is a helpful discussion. I always think checking the ingredients and product quality is important before trying a new skin products
Absolutely skin Products
really depend on skin and needs, so choosing the right one is much important. I always make sure to use products that suit me best!
I really enjoyed reading this post. It’s surprising how many products we use every day without thinking about what we actually need. I also agree that becoming a more conscious consumer can help us make healthier and smarter choices. Learning about the products we use regularly is definitely important, especially when it comes to personal care. These kinds of lifestyle changes can make a big difference over time. Thanks for sharing such an interesting and thought-provoking experience. I’ll definitely be paying more attention to my daily routine and looking for useful beauty tips to make better choices.
Such helpful beauty care ideas! I’ll definitely try some of these.
shakh ashraful habib recently posted..Best Makeup Gift Set For Women
Thanks for sharing this useful information. Choosing a suitable beauty product can make a big difference in a simple skin care routine. I found your tips easy to understand and practical.
Nafija Jaman Ikra recently posted..Tips for Hosting a Taylor Swift Inspired Girl Scout Troop Meeting (Cadette & Senior Girl Scouts)