Tags, tags, tags: they’re a way for bloggers to pose questions to one another & get to know each other. And this is our first!
This “Going Green” tag was started by Rachel of All Natural Aspirations: it came our way via Ashley Rose of Damedrose (thanks for tagging us!) and we are finally getting around to writing it up. I mean…I’d talk about all-natural products & lifestyle choices all day if I could…so this is going to be fun.
1. What started it all off for you?
It started with buildings, for me: I work in the green building industry, and that opened my eyes to the myriad connections between the materials that we use to build our homes/offices/furniture and human health. From the paints we use to color our walls (you know that “new paint” smell? Yeah, that ain’t good for you!) to the glue that holds our cheap particle board bookcase together, there are unwanted nasties all over our homes that we’re bringing in, breathing in, and that may be causing some adverse health effects.
It’s scary stuff, but luckily there are healthy/greener alternatives available. I eventually began applying the same type of thinking to my beauty and skincare regime. And…here we are!
2. What was the first thing to go, ingredient or product?
Reading up on the ingredients in my traditional anti-perspirant deodorant caused a chain reaction for me – it was my first blog post on Unsullied! But I was a little ambitious…once I get my mind set on something, I’m ALL in. So, naturally, I combed through my entire medicine cabinet, shower and product stash and discarded every toxin-riddled product. That left me in a bit of a “product desert” for a while. I’d recommend a more gradual approach for anyone else considering switching to all-natural skincare and beauty!
3. What did you struggle to let go of?
I’m still having trouble with my (not so clean) mineral makeup. I’ve used the same mineral foundation since HIGH SCHOOL! It’d probably be fairly easy to switch to a cleaner mineral product, but I got stuck on the fact that many mineral makeups contain nanoparticles AND can be inhaled/damaging to lungs. I can’t imagine living without my mineral foundations and powders.
So…that’s where I’m stuck: breaking off a long-term relationship with mineral makeup. Bring me some ice cream. Suggestions welcome.
4. What has been your best find or change?
Ohhhh myyyy stars. So much. I discovered the WONDER of facial oils after “goin’ green” and opting for all-natural products. They’re amazing! Why was I loading up my face with thick moisturizing lotions for all those years? I love how sheer, potent and powerful natural facial oils are, and I’ll never go back! In terms of pure facial oils, I love Acure’s Argan Oil. My favorite blend right now is Natural E’s serum. Just magic.
5. What was the worst thing about going green?
Um, CHEMOPHOBIA. Haha. I have to remind myself that “the dose makes the poison!” …a basic principle of toxicology. I LOVE all-natural products and have a tendency to think that any non-natural or synthetic chemical ingredients are BAD. Of course, things are not so black and white. Small amounts of somewhat scary ingredients may not be all that harmful. But all in all, it makes me feel better and happier to avoid them all together, and I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that. Still, I’m trying to avoid “chemophobia” territory!
6. Anything else to add? Tips or tricks to pass on?
I’ve always loved Etsy, but since moving to all-natural products, I’ve discovered so many handmade, small-batch skincare, beauty and product lines. I love “shopping small” and not to sound too hippy dippy, but I feel such good energy when I use products that were made by hand and received a lot of love. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Etsy is a GOLDMINE for natural skincare products. Check out my “green beauty” picks.
And above all: going all-natural should be FUN! You’ll learn and discover so much. You’ll feel happier and healthier in your choices. And you’ll discover some serious gems that you’ll wonder how you ever lived without.
That’s all, folks! I tag the following lovely ladies: Mayah & Sabrina from Call it Vanity and Jade from Nephriticus. Happy weekend!