Goood afternoon, SuperForest!
It is with extreme pleasure that I introduce to you an absolute gem of a site. Surprisingly however, for the past couple of days, whenever I’ve sat down to write this post, I’ve found myself at a loss. How do I introduce it in a way that does it justice? So after going back and forth and writing drafts and erasing what I had, I figure the best way to introduce it is to share how I was introduced to it myself.
After an afternoon lecture, the lovely SuperForester Anastasiya told me about a blog she was starting that also dealt with living sustainably. My curiosity was sparked and while the usual thoughts of composting and re-usable water bottles came to mind, everything froze when she told me the title, “Cosmetically Conscious”.
Of all the sustainable practices we can implement in our daily lives cosmetics are one that seems so obvious yet is so often overlooked. We know how important it is to take special care of what goes in our bodies, so shouldn’t it be just as important to take note of what goes on it?
This is the question that Cosmetically Conscious brings to the forefront of our minds, and I’ve become such a fan since the first day I read it. the website is informative, educational, fun, and for the sake of our health, is important to read! Understandably, a shift in any sort of habit (especially one so routine as make-up or hygiene) can be a bit of a struggle, but SuperForester Anastasiya was kind enough to answer some basic questions to help us better understand how we too can become “cosmetically conscious”.
SuperForest: When did you start paying attention to and researching the labels on your cosmetic products? What started this?
Cosmetically Conscious: The fact that all these glittery, flowery-smelling body care products could actually be causing more harm then good, has been in the back of my mind for years. A couple of years ago, I decided to really start looking out for my self and my health. I started with food and when you learn about all the toxins in that, cosmetics are a logical next step. I also took a class called Environmental Racism where we discussed this drug given to women in the 20th century which was suppose to prevent miscarriages, but ended up causing cancer and horrible other problems for those women and their children. It’s overwhelming to think what else is out there like that! Especially, when you learn that 80% of the 10,500 ingredients of cosmetics have NOT been tested. I am not exaggerating, check my numbers.
SF: What inspired you to then share this on a blog?
CC: Because so few people know! I started with just telling my friends, but it was hard to explain all the research I did in one conversation. I also didn’t want to sound like I was preaching and not everyone wants to hear this. In a blog, you can organize the information in a neat way and anyone could come read it or bounce on by. It was hard for me to start changing my products because I had to find all the information and all the stores by myself. Through Cosmetically Conscious, all the resources are organized and easy to find, so it does not have to be such a difficult process anymore.
SF: What has been the most difficult challenge for you since switching to these products? Did anything surprise you?
CC: The hardest part by far was finding them! At first, I only found natural makeup online stores that strangely looked like something you would make on PowerPoint in high school. Essentially, it was hard to trust them. I have found legitimate ones since then! I was surprised at the prices. They range from cheap to regular designer prices, so upgrading your bathroom cabinet and your makeup box is totally do-able.
SF: In relation, one of the most common arguments I’ve heard is that eco-friendly cosmetics are more costly, what is your response to this?
CC: Some are, but not all. If you usually buy designer brands or even shop at Sephora, you should have no problem switching over. If you’re a drugstore brand type person, there are plenty of choices that are affordable too. When I started, my plan was to slowly change the products. Throw one thing away, buy a better version. I’m still not done, but I’m getting there!
SF: Another argument is that they aren’t as effective or don’t work as well, what have been your personal findings?
CC: Definitely not true! My favorite deodorant right now only has five ingredients and I can tell you for sure it works just fine. Of course, it depends on the brand and their formula. As in any case, you have to find the products that suit you. Luckily, there are sites that give consumer reviews. I use those a lot.
SF: How would you suggest for someone who is trying to live a more conscious life-style to start to change their cosmetic habits?
CC: Do your own research! I always give links to the articles and sources that I read on my posts. Start there, but then take a walk through the cyber goldmine, taking care of course to read legitimate sources. It is the information that I have accumulated that keeps me from taking a step back. It is definitely easier to go to the makeup aisle at the drugstore, but when I look at their ingredient lists, all I see is the future problems I could have. I can not consciously buy those products for myself or for others anymore. It is seriously like a guilt trip, but I like it! You also have to decide what you’re in this for. Do you want cruelty free products, only organic ingredients, or simply natural ingredient formulas? You can have all three!
SF: What is your favorite product in the market and why?
CC: My favorite cosmetic product has always been mascara. Surprisingly, it has been one of the hardest for me to buy naturally. My favorite right now is from 100% Pure and it is pigmented with fruit! It lengthens, it does not clump, it’s black, and it has a low toxicity rating according to the Skin Deep Cosmetics Database (something I use a lot!). I recommend it!
SF: What do you hope to achieve with Cosmetically Conscious?
CC: I want Cosmetically Conscious to be part of the growing movement to get toxic ingredients out of the products we are applying on our bodies’ everyday. Since that might take a while, for now spreading awareness is the goal, but ultimately personal action will be the key piece to the puzzle. I hope any outrage people feel after reading will spark a personal responsibility to check and approve what goes on and ultimately in their bodies.
SF: Is Cosmetically Conscious just for women?
CC: No! And it’s not just for people who wear makeup either! If you use soap or shampoo, come on over. Also, changing my boyfriend’s and my brother’s products has been part of my own journey, so there are plenty of ‘just for men’ posts to come!
Amazing. Massive thanks go out to the wonderful SuperForester Anastasiya for enlightening us with her wisdom and for her wonderful site.
Love from San Diego,
C
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