Slowly but surely we’ve been ditching the chemicals around our home. Already, I have cleaned out my cleaning cabinet and replaced my old chemical cleaners with natural ones. Some of them were store-bought from the Ecostore, Seventh Generation, or Charlie’s Soap and others are homemade, made from a few simple ingredients.
But, the cleaning products that we use in our home aren’t the only changes that we’re making. We’ve been switching some of our personal care items as well and have been sticking with it for the last month and a half. I wanted to share some of the solutions that I’ve found. If you haven’t shopped for natural personal care products, you might be in for a little sticker shock. The price on good products runs high. In some cases extremely high. But, I’ve found a few products that will do the trick with good results and won’t leave you penniless. This is one area you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled for sales and coupons and coupons are scarce in this department (although kiss my face frequently has coupons online and on store shelves). I’ve been able to find most of my products reasonably priced at Earth Fare and still others I order online.
First, I’ve cut back on my regiment… way back. I use to use an arsenal of products. I’m slowly but surely whittling them down. This is really the first step in making your cosmetics and personal care products more natural…become more natural! I want to smell good and look good, so if that is what you are in to as well, I hope you’ll find some of my finds helpful!
Here’s what I’m using (but I’m still searching and welcome your thoughts and suggestions!):
- Toothpaste: I’m using Tom’s of Maine. I like several of their “flavours” including new Wicked Fresh and my old favorite, cinnamon.
- Deodorant: A couple weeks ago I shared that I finally found a natural deodorant that works for both my husband and I – and we still love it! It is Soapwalla and is handcrafted and sold on Etsy – even better!
- Bodywash/Soap: I’ve found several acceptable products including Everyday Shea. It is by far the best product for the money that I’ve found. One of the things you have to stay away from commercial products is “fragrance.” When the word fragrance is in the ingredient list – stay away! But, it isn’t the scent that is bad! It is the chemicals they use to make the fragrance. So, I love that I can still have a lovely scent with Everyday Shea – because they use natural, essential oils like lavender, vanilla, and mint. We also like the Kiss My Face Bar soaps, our favorite is the olive and honey bar soap. I have ditched the shaving cream and amusing body wash in its place. So far, so good, and it is one less product I have to buy and use! For Judah, I love the smell of Kiss My Face Orange U Smart Bubble Wash. It has a lovely orange scent and has a great lather for body wash and can be used as a bubble bath too! A little goes a long way! Although, since all the soaps we are buying are natural with short ingredient lists, Judah could really use the same soap as we are.
- Shampoo: My husband has so little hair (and has since we’ve been married) that he just uses body wash all over – no shampoo needed! However, I have to have my shampoo. I haven’t tried any yet… but I’ve got my eye on Kiss My Face Big Body Shampoo. I’ve also been tempted to buy the Whole Foods 365 Everyday Value store brand. The price can’t be beaten and grapefruit might smell great! And, Everyday Shea has a very affordable one as well, in the same scents as their body washes. I am getting ready to make the switch here, so I’ll let you know how it goes!
- Face Lotion: I’ve ditched them all together and have been using almond oil in its place. And, the result has been terrific! I dab a little on a cotton ball and apply it to my face. Then I use my fingers to massage it into my face. I was afraid it would be greasy feeling, but it absorbs right into my skin. I can even apply make-up right afterwards if I want to. Look for a good quality oil right in the cooking aisle. That is about as natural as you can get!
- Make-up: I have to be honest and say while I’d love to be able to go “au naturel,” I have really uneven skin and red splotchy patches that I really dislike. While I have been limiting myself to a little foundation, a dab of eye shadow, and some mascara – only on the days when I’m going to work – I just can’t seem to give it up altogether. So, I am exploring some more natural brands but I haven’t settled yet. But, my make-up bag has definitely gotten MUCH lighter. =)
- Hairspray: Another fail. I am still using my nasty aerosol hairspray. Until I find a hairstyle that I’m happy with that doesn’t require it…I’m not sure this one will change. =(
So, there you have it. That is what we’re using. And, while it isn’t perfect, we’re doing our best to make smarter switches and to eliminate products too! I’d love to hear what products you’ve found that are both affordable and hardworking!
