I’m Ready for My Close-Up

I guess this is proof that I've always been a girly-girl. I was more artistic than athletic, and fashion is fun.

Women in our family always dressed impeccably, with outfits that had perfectly matched shoes, purses, coats and hats. They never went out of the house without hair and makeup looking flawless. These photos are proof that I was nurtured into being that definition of feminine from a young age. It wasn't a bad thing. To this day I love anything fashion. Hair, makeup, shoes, clothes!

I remember when I was old enough to start wearing makeup. My mom took me to the Merle Norman store at the mall and treated me to a makeup lesson. I learned how to properly apply makeup for a young woman my age. (Maybe 15?).  I've since probably used almost every brand and type of makeup and skincare.

A little over a year ago I discovered Beautycounter. I was always careful with the kind of toothpaste, deodorant and sunscreen I used, but until a friend pointed out the "bad" ingredients in cosmetics, it never occurred to me. There's lead in lipstick? Really? Coal tar in mascara? That just sounds terrible. Phthalates in shampoo can cause hormone disruption? I was so focused on what I was putting IN my body, but what about products I'm putting ON my body?  

I started using Beautycounter because I was pursuing healthier options in all aspects of my life. I started selling Beautycounter because I fell in love with it! The products and the company and the message.  I love the skincare, my skin has never looked healthier or more youthful. I love the makeup, if I wear makeup these days, I always feel natural, not overdone. And I felt it was important -  no - urgent, to share this message of safer beauty. I spent a lot of time researching how to overcome health conditions, but hadn't given cosmetics a second thought. Beautycounter bans over 1800 harmful ingredients. The Eurpoean Union bans over 1400. Canada bans over 400. The United States bans 30. We haven't passed major legislation for the cosmetic industry since 1938. We are overdue.

Laws or no laws, I want you to think about this. You take care to feed your family healthy foods. Keep them safe. What is your family using from the discount department store, or the pharmacy? If you don't wear much makeup these days, think about what is in your shampoo. Your body wash. Your sunscreen or lip balm. Start to swap out your products for something safer. It doesn't have to happen overnight. Just be aware. Read labels. Let's always learn. So we can pass it along to our daughters.