Many beauty brands are labeling themselves “sustainable,” “green,” and “eco” because they’re the new buzzwords that sell. But just because they say it, doesn’t mean there is action behind the words. As conscious consumers, it’s up to us to do a little research on brands before we invest in their products.
What should you expect from a sustainable beauty brand?
• Quality ingredients. All of them, not just the first three or four on the list! Sustainable brands will have quality organic, plant-based ingredients.
• Cruelty-free. Never buy from companies that test on animals. Zero tolerance here.
• Conscious packaging. Is the brand using recycled materials? Can the packaging be recycled? If not, why?
• A mission statement that clearly states their commitment to the environment.
Researching and reviewing conscious companies is a passion I’ve enjoyed since walking into my very first natural food store, with my mom, when I was 12. I remember the scent of the place and all the good energy. I read all of the ingredients on everything I could and began researching the herbs and plants I didn’t know. I shared my favorite brands with family and friends. Now I share them with the world. You can trust my picks! Guaranteed. Follow me on Instagram to see more of my favorite products.
Shar Veda’s Conscious Beauty Picks for April
How smart is ILIA Balmy Nights? Finally a lip exfoliator in a stick! Organic ingredients blended with grainy volcanic stone powder gently exfoliate, leaving lips smooth and kissable. This product is great for evening use.
I also love ILIA Silken Shadow Stick in “Next to You.” The coconut cream olive oil base glides on smooth and easy. This shade is a warm, slightly shimmery, demure rose that looks great with green eyes and its vegan! All of ILIAs cream-based products come in sleek, recycled aluminum cases and are made in the USA!
100% Pure Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream smells great and feels good going on. Organic aloe leaf juice, rosewater and rosehip seed oil provide a smooth, soothing base while organic green coffee gives eyes an instant pick me up. 100% Pure was founded in a Napa, California, farmhouse in 2005. They are now based in Silicon Valley and all products are made in the USA.
Marie d’Argan Organic Oils come in pretty reusable, amber dropper bottles. The single oils have no added ingredients. Part of the proceeds goes to funding the women’s cooperative in Morocco, who handpick the kernels. I use the Argan oil on my face, neck and chest several times a week when I do abhyanga, Ayurvedic self massage. The macadamia oil is great for conditioning hair, which I use on Sunday evenings and leave it in while I sleep. Pure. Simple. Beautiful.
Shar Veda, Southern Oregon’s Premier Alternative Therapist, is an Ayurveda Lifestyle Counselor & Health Educator, yoga therapist and herbalist. Shar has been blessed to study with leading teachers in Ayurveda, Yoga, and herbalism for 20 years. However, it was her adopted grandma, Doe (English-American and Blackfoot Native), who instilled within her profound appreciation for the supreme power of loving touch, healing arts, and world family. Visit her website for a video, full bio, and photos or find her on Facebook and Instagram.
