We all know that conventional cosmetics contain a lot of undesirable ingredients. Some people don't mind, for various reasons, but many others would prefer to use more natural cosmetics.
The problem is that switching to more natural cosmetics isn't always easy. First, because we're so used to products with dozens of ingredients that have appealing scents and that generally do what they promise—in other words, they work.
On the other hand, many of these products come with marketing and super attractive packaging that catches our attention, promises us exactly what we want, and is also beautiful.
Finally, natural products tend to be somewhat more difficult to use; they spoil faster (since they don't contain synthetic preservatives), and while the scents can be pleasant, as with lavender or calendula creams, argan oil, for example, has a rather mediocre smell. Furthermore, although these products are very good in the long run, the reality is that neither the lipstick colors nor the deodorants are as vibrant as those from conventional brands.
So, how do we make a change?
The answer is simple: we change gradually, focusing on the products we are most interested in changing, and not worrying so much about those that, for the moment, we will continue to use conventionally.
My priorities:
The products I use daily or almost daily are: soap, shampoo, deodorant, facial cleanser, serum, moisturizer, and oil. I prefer these to be natural because my skin absorbs them every day.
The products I put on my lips: lip moisturizer or cocoa and lipstick.
The "dye": in my case, natural henna that I apply at home. This is partly out of necessity, since my scalp is sensitive, but also because traditional dyes are full of ingredients I don't want on my body. After more than 10 years of using henna, I'm thrilled. It not only covers gray hairs and leaves my hair strong and shiny, but even my hairdresser says the color is beautiful every time she sees me.
Increasingly:
I don't wear much makeup, but when I do, I prefer a natural look, especially now that there's so much variety. I prefer natural concealer, powder, blush, and mascara. My eyeliner is also natural, but I'm less concerned about eyeshadow, which I only wear occasionally, although I do love this NeoBio eyeshadow .
Do you want to change?
I recommend making a list of the products you use daily and the type of products you're interested in using that are natural. Don't worry about what I—or other people—do; what's important are your priorities.
From that list, look for good alternatives. There are some very good natural brands on the market, but some are very expensive—if you've been using, for example, a night cream from a luxury brand, the prices of some natural brands might not surprise you, but if you've been buying cosmetics in supermarkets until now, they might.
Check the ingredients of the products you buy. Just because something says "natural" on the label, or claims to have a trendy ingredient, doesn't mean it's actually natural. Generally, the fewer ingredients, the better.
Give yourself time, especially with deodorants. I've been using natural deodorant for a while now, and I've tried many that work for others but not for me. Give yourself a few weeks before deciding something isn't for you.
Finally, temper your expectations. I'm aware that natural deodorant doesn't last 24 hours, that henna doesn't last as long as salon dye, and that while regenerating oils moisturize and regenerate, they won't completely eliminate established wrinkles, but I think the results and benefits are more important.
I encourage you to make your list and make the change gradually. Thinking that we can switch completely to natural cosmetics overnight is impossible, at least for most of us.