My Clean Beauty Journey
A few years before I had Liam, I delved into my clean beauty journey. It all began when I started having a really bad reaction to the synthetic “fragrance.” More than 95 percent of the chemicals in synthetic fragrances are derived from petrochemicals. These chemicals include benzene derivatives, aldehydes, phthalates, and a slew of other known toxins that are capable of causing cancer, birth defects, nervous-system disorders, and allergies—some of which are cited on the EPA’s hazardous waste list. In the U.S., manufacturers can legally hide hundreds of synthetic chemicals in the one word “fragrance” without revealing what those ingredients are. It’s referred to as a “trade secret” in the industry. Source.
These “fragrances” are in so many beauty products from your hair care to skincare and beyond. I got in deep looking for products to replace every beauty item I had used in the past. I was the type of woman who always had her hair done, make up done, nails done, everything done! As I explored these new products, I found a much more natural aesthetic to make up and shifted my focus to “good” skin. Slowly I started to wear less on my skin and began embracing a more natural look in general.
Obviously, motherhood makes you consider a lot of things, some you maybe hadn't considered before. Things that were very much a part of your everyday life, you suddenly begin wondering if they should be a part of your life with children. And to be honest, having a baby girl made me think about things even more critically. My entire view of beauty shifted. When I looked at her and saw her perfect skin and curly little hairs, I knew my ideas of beauty were once again going to shift.
Having Norah has made me think critically about my relationship with beauty and beauty products. It made me question how much I’ve chosen to alter my image with makeup and beauty products. I also realized the pressures society will already place on her when it comes to what is beautiful, and I want to combat that with a message of what beauty means at home.
Now before I get a bunch of hate mail, I want to make this very clear. I spent years and years loving make-up, and I find the “performance” of getting glammed up and ready really fun. I’m not here to shame any fellow mamas that love to wear a full face, because I’ve been there! I am just here to speak to the relationship between practicing what I preach, and clean beauty. There is space for everyone, I’ve just pivoted my stance.
What I love about clean beauty is that it focuses on GOOD and CLEAN skin, and a more natural look. Often these products have a lighter finish, as opposed to a heavier one. Also, it’s important to me that my daughter understands that beauty is not just makeup and skincare. Beauty is just as much the actions of empathy, time for physical and mental health, and the many rituals of self-care. Beauty is in our hearts and our minds. At the end of the day, I want to make sure I send Norah the message that she is beautiful the way she is. I hope you’ll join along as I share some of my favorite clean beauty products, the origins and practices of many of these beauty rituals, and how I share the message of beauty in my home!
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