You May Want to Switch to Safer Beauty After This
Whenever a new season starts, I have a tendency of wanting to clean everything out and start fresh. Sometimes that means switching up the layout of my room, going on a shopping spree, or picking up some new beauty products.
Why did I start thinking about “safer beauty”?
It has been about a year since I picked new beauty and skin care products, so I thought it might be fun to consider new products this Fall. We also moved out of Chicago so my skin has been reacting differently to the water where I live now. I have started to notice the makeup and skin care items that I am using sometimes will not even come off with a makeup wipe and it was gross in my mind. This was when I started to think about my beauty in a different way.
The Questions
At the end of the night, I just stare at the dirty makeup wipe and think “I can’t believe I have all of this on my skin. ALL. DAY. and not all of it even comes off after one wipe.” This started to get questions running through my head like what really is in this makeup? What is actually being absorbed into my skin every day? Should I be worried about using all of these products every day and by my eyes? People claim everything is bad for you lately (insert eye roll emoji), so were these even questions for me to consider?
The Research
I took to the internet to do some research and found some shocking stats. This article from the nonprofit Environmental Working Group was the most startling.
“…between cosmetics, perfumes, personal care products and feminine hygiene products, the average American woman applies an average of 168 chemicals to her face and body every day.”
Woah. Okay, like I said, people claim that almost everything can kill you today. I kept researching because I thought to myself, well there must be regulation on chemicals in makeup and skin care, maybe these “chemicals” aren’t bad?
I quickly learned that the U.S has only banned about 30 different chemicals, whereas the EU has banned just over 1,300.
Well then…
Does that make you as nervous as it made me when I first heard it? I started talking with other bloggers to try and figure out what they were doing about this or if they even knew this was a problem. A few girls mentioned that I should read The French Beauty Solution by Mathilde Thomas, who is the founder of Caudalie.
If you are interested in taking care of your skin, understanding how products affect your skin, learning about the aging of the skin, and so much more, this book is a great read. I am currently reading it now and I can’t believe how much I have learned. It has me thinking about the products I use in a new way.
The Chemicals
The book has a few pages of chemicals to avoid and why your typical household brand cosmetics are probably using these chemicals. I want to try and keep this post short and sweet, but I can go into this whole list if you would like me to in another post. Reading the list of chemicals and the effect that it has on our skin and body was pretty startling as well.
The Commitment
I decided to make the change and commitment to a brand called Beautycounter. I have heard buzz about the brand in the news, from friends, and other bloggers and thought I would see if it was something I felt passionate about too. Their mission is to get safer products into the hands of all women by creating products that exclude a list of 1,400 ingredients without compromising the quality of their items. This sounds exactly like a brand I want to support and get behind.
Why am I saying “safer” and not “clean”?
Beautycounter makes a point to say that they have tested many of their ingredients, not on animals 🙂 if I might add, but that there are always new tests happening that provide new information. Since research is continued, Beautycounter defines as “safer” because there is no guarantee that it is 100% clean. They may find through a new form of testing that a certain ingredient isn’t as clean or safe, so then they will optimize the product to be “safer”.
The Slow Transition…Very Slow.
I know making a switch to a whole different line to skincare and makeup can be daunting, so I am starting slow and would recommend you do the same if safer beauty is something you are interested in. I just received my first order from Beautycounter and you can see below what I am starting to use.
What I am Trying Out
I just received my first order from Beautycounter and here is what I am starting to use. I chose all of these products because I think they will help with moisturizing my skin as it transitions to the different water since my move.
I’m unboxing all of the products on my Instagram story today, giving product descriptions, and explanations. You can get all the details over there, but in case you don’t have Instagram, here is a description of each product.
You can shop all of the items I am discussing by clicking on the links. Please note that I will receive a commission through these links.
Countermatch Recovery Sleeping Cream
This is a night time cream that works to lock in moisture and repairs your skin throughout the night. You would typically apply this to your face, neck, and chest every night before bed after you have cleansed your face.
No. 1 Brightening Facial Oil
This product is a blend of 7 natural oils for skin that will add omega-rich hydration. You apply this with a dropper to your face before you have applied your daily moisturizer. If you are looking for a natural dewy finish, you can wear this alone with no makeup.
No. 3 Balancing + Charcoal Facial Mask
Charcoal has natural benefits that will absorb excess oils from the skin and draw out any impurities. If you apply this mask as an even layer and allow it to dry for 10 minutes, you will minimize the appearance of pores and give your skin a smooth finish. The product will show the best results if worn 2-3 times per week. I would recommend using this at night, before your sleeping cream.
Charcoal Cleansing Bar
This bar has the same benefits as the charcoal mask but can be used all over your body. It is great if you have oily skin or have imperfections on your skin. This will help absorb dirt and oil without drying out your skin.
Countermatch Eye Rescue Cream
This magical cream will help reduce the appearance of shadows and puffiness. This product formulated with safer products to be specifically used around the eyes. You would apply this in the morning and at night before using your daily moisturizer.
Sheer Lipstick in the shade Shimmery Rosey Pink
I chose the Shimmery Rosey Pink and have been obsessed with the color. It adds subtle color and shimmer. The lipstick is extremely light and not sticky at all. This product has all of my favorite lipstick characteristics.
Cleansing Balm
This product works to hydrate while it cleanses. You will apply a small amount to your face and massage it into your skin. Also, you are given a cleansing cloth that you dampen and use to remove the cleanser after you are done massaging the product into your skin. This product will be used every night at the beginning of your nightly routine.
Countermatch Intense Moisture Serum
This is the best way to make sure your skin is getting a good amount of vitamin C and E. The serum is a great quick boost of moisture if that is what you are needing.
Countermatch Adaptive Moisture Lotion
Ah, the everyday lotion that I have been dreaming about. This lotion is light-weight and will stay activated throughout the day. This means that depending on conditions you are in, the lotion can adjust its’ hydration and oxygenation levels throughout the day. How cool? Considering I am switching from a $350 everyday lotion, this was probably my favorite safer beauty swaps so far.
My Plan
If I am pleased with all of the skin care products, I will start to transition some of my makeup too. I grabbed a lipstick in this round because I figured that was a low investment staple to try out. I’m excited to bring all of you along on this journey as I make a transition.
This was so fun!
I truly hope this post was educational. In the last few weeks, I have learned so much about the topic of safer and cleaner beauty that this post could have been a lot longer. The movement towards safer beauty is something that I am excited to get behind. Also, I will continue to try new products, provide the best, honest information that I can to all of you, and answer any questions you have as you consider the change to safer beauty.
If you have any additional questions, are interested in how to buy some clean beauty items, or need help finding what products are best for you, please send me an email by filling out the information below!
I hope all of you enjoyed this post! Please leave your feedback in the comments, in an email, or on my Instagram. Talk soon.
