Safer Skincare – What Are You Feeding Your Skin?

I know, I know…..this is a food blog so why am I asking what you’re feeding your skin? Let me start by saying that, when I first started eating the way I eat (paleo), I made the decision to fuel my body this way because of health and not specifically to lose weight or for aesthetic reasons. As previously mentioned, I entered peri-menopause and I suddenly realized that all the yo-you dieting, lack of nutrition and quite honestly, my eating disorder from many years ago had me worried about how my body would hold up to the menopause change. That said, at that time my only concern was the food that would support the change and keep my body thriving!

While I changed/cleaned up my diet, I didn’t realize what I put ON my body was just as important as what I put in. I had never heard of hormone disrupters or what carcinogens did to our bodies/health. I soon became familiar with either DIY skin moisturizers, then Primally Pure and that’s basically what I use in terms of body butter, deodorant and facial oils. BUT what about make up??? I was an avid MAC wearer! I honestly loved it but when you check out EWG and see the toxins in MAC Cosmetics, it kinda scared me and had me searching for more natural make up lines. 

Quite honestly, nothing compared. I did find a few products that made me feel like “this will do” but I pretty much just sucked it up and made it work because I felt that health was more important than having my make up last all day and/or having my eyes look like raccoons after a workout :/

Well, I’m here to tell you that I did in fact find a cosmetic line that compares to MAC as far as I’m concerned AND the products rate anywhere from 1-2 on EWG! (Click on <— EWG to get the details on how Environmental Working Group works!)

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Beautycounter

OUR MISSION
To get safer products into the hands of everyone.

While I am very pleased with the look and application of Beautycounter, I am equally excited about their mission. It’s crazy when you really stop and think about the toxins that enter our system by way of moisturizers, make up and even cleaning products! I truly believe that food is medicine but let’s be honest, if you’re still loathing your body with carcinogens or formaldehyde, what can our food really do for us? We pretty much need to clean up all areas in our lives. A little snippet from Beautycounter on their research.

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There are more than 80,000 chemicals on the market today. Many don’t have any safety data. This is particularly true of those used in the skin care and beauty industry.

Only about 10% of the 10,000 chemicals commonly found in personal care products have safety data.

What’s worse is the Food and Drug Administration (the agency that regulates cosmetics) allows companies to use chemicals known to be extremely harmful (lead, formaldehyde, and phthalates) in the products we put on our bodies and on our kids every single day, day after day.

As new as this product is to me, I knew from first application that I loved. As I mentioned above, the other products I tried were ‘ok’ and I was just using to keep toxic chemicals out and put something on my face but it is truly nice to love what you’re putting on AND not feeling like you’re “making do”.

I must say, the mascara is my FAV!!!! I have no lashes……seriously. They are sparse and short! Mascara was the absolute hardest product to find that added volume and yet again, keeping chemicals at bay. I found one that sufficed but I looked like a raccoon after a workout or even by mid afternoon. I constantly swept under my eyes, making sure I didn’t have the football look! This mascara surprised me! It went on quickly (without having to layer application, after application to get a full lash look) and it lasted all day long……with NO raccoon eyes after a sweaty workout!!!! 

Another favorite at the moment —- and you know it’ll change daily, I’m sure but these are the 2 items I am crushing on the most! I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this Purifying Charcoal Mask and I LOVE!!! Not only does my face feel amazing afterward, it looks so fresh and vibrant afterward. I am so looking forward to seeing results after continued use! Here’s tidbit of info:

A mineral-rich mix of kaolin clay and charcoal, Purifying Charcoal Mask works to gently exfoliate, draw out impurities, and soothe. The formula helps improve skin’s overall condition by refining the appearance of pores and increasing elasticity. Offers a purifying treatment for congested skin and a 10-minute spa-grade facial. For the deepest clean, prep skin with Charcoal Cleansing Bar.

OH! Nevermind, I guess I have 3 favs at the moment! I should mention the Mattify Finishing Powder! OK….so I LOVE pressed powder foundations and Beautycounter doesn’t carry them (at the moment) so I wondered how I would like using the liquid foundations without a matte-like finish. Well……whether I used the Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer or the Tint Skin Foundation, I am sooo pleased with the Mattify Skin Finishing Powder! It does what it says! I am also pleased to see that it subtly refines lines (I mean, who doesn’t love that???) and evens out skin tones. 

Can you tell I’m a little excited about this stuff???? And don’t get me started on the lip gloss! I’m a gloss wearer and don’t like it to be too sticky ….and the ones that aren’t sticky, seem to bleed. I am happy to report that these glosses don’t bleed or feel sticky! YAY!

I knew I was on to a good thing when some of my favorite bloggers are raving about this product as well. I decided to become a part of Beautycounter to help spread the love! If you are at all interested in cleaning out your make up bag and/or skin care, head on over to read more about why I am loving this company and product. I am here for to guide you along the way! 

Feel free to check out my site here —> Beautycounter

Or email me at: cocospaleokitchen@gmail.com