I thought it was just a little blush...
Some of the makeup I own, I’ve had for years. I mean YEARS! Like 20 odd - I figured it’s no big deal, I don’t use a lot and it’s lasted so what’s the harm? I mean none of it was blue eyeliner, so I didn’t feel that out of date! So many of those products are synthetic, processed and full of preservatives, chemicals and toxins, simply because it made them work cheaply and effectively. Our health wasn’t top priority of the makeup world.
But then I turned 30 and started becoming more aware of what I was putting on my skin…the whole “green” movement was just starting to come alive and I was planning on being a MILF at some point in my life! HA! (kidding, but not really ;))
The truth is, that our skin absorbs about 60-70% of what we put on it. As it turns out that makeup that you put on your skin is just as important as the skincare products you use and the nutrients that you put in your body. Makeup can be an extension of your skincare regimen — supporting healthy-looking skin while also giving you a flawless-looking finish for day or night.
So why is it so important to only use vegan products?
Vegan beauty products are produced without any animal ingredients, animal by-products or animal-derived products. Common animal ingredients used in skincare include beeswax, lanolin (which is the grease from sheep’s wool), carmine (a red colour from crushed cochineal insects) and uric acid from cows.
Vegan formulas are sometimes given a hard time – are they as effective as non-vegan products? Are they more expensive? Do they have as long a shelf life? The truth is, without animal ingredients, vegan products are actually better for your skin, especially if you’re someone with sensitive or condition-prone skin. Animal ingredients can be harsh and clog pores, so vegan products are a soothing alternative.
Why is Cruelty Free Makeup Important?
Animal testing is more cruel than you think. They’re tortured, maimed, blinded, and ultimately killed. Not only that, it’s unnecessary. There are lists of approved ingredients that can be used that are known to be safe and therefore make the testing unnecessary.
The right makeup can be found and you can help vote for the ingredients you want to see in them with your dollar. The more people choose vegan, cruelty free options, the more options there will be out there.
What’s the deal with Gluten Free Makeup?
Remember I said that 60-70% of the products we put on our skin is absorbed into our bloodstream? For the majority of people, it won’t be an issue. BUT for those who have been diagnosed with gluten problems, makeup made without the compound may be useful with lip products in particular, says Carl Thornfeldt, MD, a dermatologist in Fruitland, Idaho. “If ingested, [gluten] can produce a rash," he says. "If there is topical contact, such as on the lips or disrupted skin barrier, hives can occur.”
That’s it…I’m just going to quit using makeup!!
Wait! It’s possible to find the products that can help you look great and not trash your skincare either…The ideal makeup options help you create a look that's authentically you, while complementing your skincare regimen.
In addition to not having the junky stuff in them, makeup should ideally -
✓Conceal imperfection
✓Create a smooth, even base
✓Set your look for the perfect finish
Makeup with UVA/UVB protection can help prevent sunburn and, if used as directed with other sun protection measures, can reduce the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging.
And finally, makeup can help support the skin’s moisture levels to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
I hope I’ve left you a little more educated than when you started - that’s my goal :)
