Clean Beauty Starter Kit
Want to convert to toxin free beauty and don´t know where to start?
This brief guide will help you transition to natural cleaner beauty providing information on where to buy clean beauty, which ingredients to avoid and a list of my favorite clean beauty products.
Why convert to clean beauty?
Today we pay a lot of attention to what we eat, try to live a healthy lifestyle, exercise regularly and maybe even practice meditation, yet there is one part of the equation that is being overlooked: the foods we consume that are not coming through our mouths.
Our skin is the largest organ in our body and absorbs a high percentage of what you put on it, which can eventually enter your bloodstream and affect your wellbeing. Reducing the toxic load and cleansing toxins from the body are key for a healthy gut and immune system, and here is where cosmetics plays a huge role.
Where to start?
Finding the right clean beauty products can be quite daunting with the myriad of choices available today. Luckily enough, I had the support of my organic beauty guru friend, who helped me track down the key brands for my entire clean beauty routine.
I would recommend starting with the basics: switching your skincare routine, then gradually replacing the remaining products in your beauty list.
Ready to go toxin free? Check my product lists on Skincare, Makeup, Hair & Nails and Personal Care.
Ingredients to avoid in cosmetics?
Many ingredients found in conventional beauty products have been categorized as toxic and linked with health issues such as hormonal imbalances, endocrine disruption and reproductive problems.
Becoming familiar with the Dirty Dozen Toxins will shed some light on the most toxic ingredients to avoid, be warned these can be quite a tongue twister.
Wondering how clean your current beauty routine is? Check the following apps to see how your products measure up: Think Dirty App, Skin Deep or Skin Ninja.
Where to buy toxin free cosmetics?
It has been a long journey to find natural products that I like and have a positive impact on my skin and health. I have carefully curated my preferred suppliers to help you get started.
UK
There are many options available to buy clean beauty online in the UK. My favourite stores (European delivery available) include: Cult Beauty, Space NK, Netaporter UK, Content Beauty. For zero waste alternatives visit Wearthlondon and Bulkmarket.
Many health stores also stock a wide range of personal care products such as Wholefoodsmarket, Planet Organic or Wholefoods Portobello.
Have time and want to stop by the store to test some lipsticks or moisturizers?
Check Goop Westbourne Grove, Content Beauty Marylebone, SpaceNK (several stores across London) or recently opened Onda Beauty.
Spain
Spain has arrived later to the health conscious party and is playing catchup with some new and exciting options opening over the past years.
Stop by La Manzana Madrid for a toxin free manipedi and clean beauty products, and check Evavillarbeauty for clean makeup.
For sustainable or zero waste alternatives check online on: Rebellumstore, Earthbeat, Banbu or Unpacked Shop (store in Ibiza neighbourhood).
Health stores also known as herbolarios in Spain host a great variety of personal care and some skincare products, check my post on Organic & Eco Shops in Madrid to locate your nearest health store. Alternatively, Naturitas online is a great option.
US
The US has an amazing clean beauty offering. Unfortunately, I haven't had the chance to visit any of the below yet, though they are high on my list and very recommended: Credo Beauty, Onda Beauty, Cap Beauty, Goop and Follain.
The widely known Netaporter US, Sephora US, and Wholefoods US also stock a great portoflio of brands.
Portugal
Lisbon has a great health food and lifestyle offering, make sure to stop over at Organii for clean beauty brands or visit Celeiro for personal care brands. See my post on Organic & Eco Shops in Lisbon for more information.
My favourite clean beauty products
Take a look at my posts on Skincare, Makeup, Hair & Nails and Personal Care for a full product list to help you complete your clean beauty routine.