Going green has many benefits, from a lower impact on the environment to a healthier impact on your wellbeing. Perhaps you�ve already ditched the chemical cleaners in favor of more natural options, but if you�re still using mainstream beauty products, you could be negatively affecting your health. Give your bathroom a makeover and make these five green beauty swaps now.
Swap your makeup remover for coconut oil
If you�ve already made steps to go green in other aspects of your life, chances are you have coconut oil on-hand. One of the easiest beauty swaps is to throw out your current makeup remover in favor of plain and simple coconut oil. According to Allure.com, coconut oil is able to break up water-resistant substances, so even waterproof mascara and eye shadow will come off easily. Simply warm a small amount of coconut oil using your fingers, then apply it to your skin and wipe it off with a dry cotton ball. Your makeup will be gone, and your skin will feel silky smooth.
Ditch your lotion for this DIY version
It�s important to moisturize your skin regularly to keep it smooth and healthy, but store-bought lotions often contain hidden ingredients like petroleum and sulfates. Instead, make this DIY lotion as suggested by WellnessMama.com. Combine a half cup of almond or olive oil, a quarter cup of coconut oil and a quarter cup of beeswax in a pint-size or larger glass jar. Fill a medium saucepan with 2 inches of water and place the jar in the pan with its lid loosely fitted. Once the ingredients have melted, shake or stir to combine and use in place of your regular lotion. You can personalize this recipe with your favorite essential oils.
Revive your mane with a homemade hair mask
Deep conditioning treatments might leave your hair looking shiny and feeling soft, but most are filled with chemicals and other potentially dangerous ingredients that are best left off your body. Instead, use some kitchen essentials to make a DIY hair mask. InStyle.com suggests mixing five strawberries with a cup of yogurt and an egg and applying it to your hair for 15 minutes to strengthen weak strands. For dry hair, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil and 2 tablespoons coconut oil with an egg, then apply to hair for 20 minutes.
Replace your lipstick with naturally tinted lip balm
Lipstick is a beauty staple for many women, but some lipsticks contain harsh dyes and chemicals that are easily ingested due to the product�s close proximity to the mouth. Luckily, it�s fairly easy to make your own version. WellnessMama.com recommends combining 1 teaspoon beeswax pastilles, 1 teaspoon shea or coconut butter and 1 teaspoon coconut oil, then adding your chosen color add-ins. For red, add 1/8 teaspoon beet root powder; for brown or tan, use 1/4 teaspoon organic cocoa powder or a pinch of cinnamon or turmeric. You can increase or decrease the amount of dye for a more or less intense hue.
Rid your armpits from aluminum with natural deodorant
Deodorant is a must for anyone who doesn�t want to worry about excessive body odor, but most store-bought versions contain aluminum and a number of nasty chemicals. Make your own aluminum-free deodorant instead, using the following recipe from DrAxe.com. Combine half a cup of coconut oil with half a cup of baking soda and add 40 � 60 drops of your favorite-smelling essential oil. Store in a glass jar and apply as needed with your fingers. Do note that your body might go through a stinky detox period as it rids itself of aluminum, but if you persevere you can wean yourself off store-bought deodorant for good.
Going green doesn�t need to be complicated, especially when it comes to your beauty routine. Make these five simple swaps and say goodbye to the chemical-laden products lurking in your bathroom.
