Retool Your Beauty Routine

If you think your beauty cabinet passes muster just because you’ve banished parabens, think again. “A health-minded consumer’s responsibility does not end with the purchase of healthy and eco-friendly bodycare products,” says Julie Ebner, founder of Philadelphia’s Juju Spa and Organics. “We must also spend our money wisely on the related accessories.”

Washcloth. Skip the standard washcloth (which can harbor millions of microbes), and try one made of sustainable ayate from agave plants. “The fibers are renowned for their natural antibacterial properties, and these multipurpose cloths can be used wet or dry,” says Ebner. Exfoliate and boost your circulation when you use your ayate washcloth dry, or lather up with it in the shower. Best of all, these cloths resist mildew and can last up to a year.

Makeup Brushes. If you wouldn’t wear a fur coat, you should definitely forgo animal-hair brushes, made from squirrel, mink, sable, horse, and goat hair that’s been inhumanely sourced. “Consumers should demand cruelty-free makeup tools,” says Ebner. Apply your makeup with brushes made from vegan fibers such as nylon. “Not only are these brushes humane, they are non-porous and smooth, providing a more sanitary application.”

Cotton Balls and Swabs. Splurge on organic cotton balls and ear swabs instead of the conventional variety, which often come loaded with insecticides. And while those swabs with the colorful sticks might look pretty, pass on the non-biodegradable plastic in favor of paper sticks.

Body Brush. Dry body brushing sloughs off dead skin, massages tight muscles, and improves circulation and lymph drainage. Choose a dry brush or loofah made of vegetable fibers, and brush toward the heart to maximize the detoxifying benefits.

Natural Solutions: Vibrant Health, Balanced Living offers its readers the latest news on health conditions, herbs and supplements, natural beauty products, healing foods and conscious living. Click here for a free sample issue.

By Einav Keet, Natural Solutions magazine

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

paul m.

5:44AM PDT on Apr 14, 2013

Noted..

April 14
send a green star

Elena T.

2:15AM PDT on Apr 14, 2013

Thank you :)

Natasha S.

1:07PM PDT on Apr 13, 2013

Thanks!!!

April 13
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Fi T.

4:41AM PST on Feb 18, 2013

Can our environment also be beautified?

February 18
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Danuta W.

12:52AM PDT on Jun 29, 2012

Thanks for sharing.

June 29
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Michele W.

10:45AM PST on Dec 9, 2011

Thank you

December 9
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KS G.

6:05AM PDT on Jul 12, 2011

Thanks for the article.

July 12
send a green star

Rosie L.

2:44PM PST on Feb 7, 2011

Great article TY

February 7
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Ashley R.

8:17PM PST on Jan 14, 2011

i never really paid much attention to my beauty tools, i have focused most of my energy onto the makeup it self. however, i'm going to go pick up some new eco tools brushes soon. i have heard great things about them and this article made my choice even easier.