Hi Herbies! Today we have another guest post from Gin Stafford, a professional makeup artist who owns a mobile beauty studio, Edgy Elegance. Gin does makeup for weddings, special events, films and tv, specializing in high fashion, f/x and horror.
Cleanse, Tone, Hydrate/Protect: this is popular thought for how to maintain a youthful healthy complexion, however there are a myriad of products on the market for about as many skin issues, so how does one determine the proper regimen for themselves? The quick answer is trial and error…simple as that.
The most important thing to remember when it comes to skincare and makeup is that whatever you put on your skin is absorbed up to 60%! With that information planted firmly in your head, let’s talk about some ingredients you should look out for
- Albumen - usually derived from eggs, has veggie alternatives
- Chitosan - fiber derived from crustacean shells, has veggie alternatives
- Esterogen/Estradiol - hormones from pregnant mares' urine. Can have harmful systemic effects if used by children
- Hyalutonic Acid - a protein found in umbilical cords and the fluids around joints. Look for synthetic or plant alternatives
- Oleic Acid- obtained from various animal and vegetable fats and oils
- Natural Ingredients- can be anything animal or plant derived
On another note, I would like to mention Botox. I will never understand people that get injected with this stuff. Botox is Botchalism! Horse farms do soil tests for this because it KILLS horses. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be injected with ANYTHING that can tip a 1200lb + animal over!
There are databases out there on everything from food (additives etc) to cosmetics and skincare, like the Environmental Work Group. These databases give insightful information on ingredients and additives.
There are some brands out there that are absolutely vegan and I have come across a couple of bands that I have found to make products that are innovative, and work!
One of these brands is called MyChelle. They have pioneered the use of plant stem cells and have come up with some pretty great products. I’m a big fan of NoTox which is a firming serum. I love it.
Evan Healy is another vegan skincare brand that uses essential oils in their products. Oily skinned people can use this line as well because PURE essential oils breakup sebum produced by the skin and is actually healthy for the skin. It is the use of ‘dirty’ or not completely pure oils and mineral oil that causes problems for the skin.
Another vegan skincare line is called IMAGE and was developed by a graduate of the Aveda Institute. It is only available through your Esthetician or Dermatologist but is very reasonably prices, extremely potent and from my experience (I’ve been trying a cleanser and an eye cream) works very well!
Finally, I would like to pass on a few recipes for some natural vegan skincare so you can have a spa day at home!
- Easy Astringent - 1tsp tea tree oil; 1oz lemon or lime juice; 4oz Witch Hazel. Store all ingredients together in a bottle. Shake before use
- Exfoliant - 1/4 to 1/2 tsp of baking soda; 2-4 drops of water (or your favorite essential oil for really dry skin). Make a loose paste and gentle scrub face, neck and décolleté
- Acne Treatment - 10 drops tea tree oil; 2 drops clary sage. Mix together and use as a spot treatment
Thank you so much, Gin!
For more recipes and skincare tips and for more information, please email Gin(at)edgyelegancebeautystudio(dot)com
