As usual, your reflections are spot on! This brought me back to my early 20's when I had horrific acne (whyyyyy) and tried every 'natural' acne system I could get my hands on to no avail. What finally worked was diluted Dr. Bronner's peppermint soap as a cleanser, apple cider vinegar as a toner, and coconut oil to moisturize. It was a valuable lesson learned! I still swear by the Dr. B's peppermint soap and now use a moisturizer from Lily Ana Naturals, and I think my skin looks better at 34 than it did at 24. 🎉 I've been wanting to find a non-drugstore concealer and mascara and just might try the ones that you shared.
Nice! Yes, I'm a fan of Dr. Bronner's as well — we've used it for ages and I might try the bar soap next time I run out. And I was searching for LITERAL YEARS for a good natural mascara (the cake kind turned moldly on me) and so far, the Thrive Causemetics has been the ABSOLUTE best I've found from the not-too-terrible side of makeup.
Love this and also a devotee of skinimalism. I don't wear any makeup at all 95% of the time but do have a tinted moisturizer, concealer, and cream blush from Stowaway Cosmetics for when I feel like it. My favorite moisturizer for my face is from Mom's Stuff, a local business based in southern Utah. Living in the southwest, it really works for me, not sure how it would be in a more humid climate. I would like to figure out a better no or low-waste option for hair care - I tend to buy different things depending on what looks good at Target, just shampoo and conditioner though, no hair products. I use a crystal deodorant which lasts forever, like literally years before I have to replace it. It works great with my body chemistry although I know it's not for everyone.
This post reminded me of one of Glennon Doyle's We Can Do Hard Things podcast episodes where she asked why half the population is totally acceptable in public as-is (men) and half the population is not unless they spend time adding things on to their faces, manipulating their hair, etc.? This might vary depending on geography but I think it's pretty valid as a generalization and larger cultural message. Women are expected to spend so much more TIME on their skin and hair every. single. day. and what else could we be doing with that time? It was interesting food for thought and something I'm still thinking about weeks later.
I've thought about that exact same thing as well — the double standard of what's acceptable out in public, and the time and HUGE amounts of money women are told are just the baseline expectation of what it means to be civilized. It's mind-blowing.
I’m 100% behind an absolutely minimal skincare routine. I was fortunate to grow up with a mom who was uninterested in makeup and primping, so I never had a close role model teaching me that all that effort was all necessary to be a woman.
Body:
- a minimal packaging, natural bar soap in the shower
- pat dry with a towel and then lather on some body oil
- wearing dish gloves in the kitchen or when cleaning (plus putting on the body oil after showers keeps my hands from getting too dry)
Face:
- wash with water
- same bar soap in the shower
- a few drops of natural face oil
- I don’t own any makeup, though will use a chapstick or Vaseline for dry/chapped lips
Hair:
Recently started the kids (low effort) version of the Curly Girl Method, it keeps my hair moist, less frizzy, and really gives my waves some volume
- wash roots with a no sulfate shampoo
- generously apply a no silicone conditioner to the length of my hair, finger rake to remove tangles, “squish to condish” to get the water and conditioner really in to hydrate and moisturize
- barely rinse in cold water to remove most of the conditioner
- gently wrap in non-terry towel for a few minutes
- air dry and leave alone
Chagrin Valley Soap & Salve has a nice line of natural soaps, oils, creams, etc
The full thing is so overly complex, I never would have even considered it. But my 5 year old has gorgeous curls and I had no idea how to keep them from becoming a total rats nest. After lots of internet rabbit holes, I found the much less involved kid’s version. I wanted to try it first to see whether it’d be too onerous for him. I was completely blown away by how much healthier my hair was after just one try.
Interesting story about the how the beauty industry came to be what Wolf calls 'the third shift.'
(The entire podcast is worth listening to from the first episode; it reviews essential texts about patriarchy in chronological order.)
Years ago I read The Beauty Bible by Paula Begoun and was fascinated by her story of getting fired from a cosmetics job for telling customers what products really could or could not do for their skin. I have used Paula's Choice skincare products ever since. https://www.paulaschoice.com/ My skin is sensitive and dry. I also live in a dry climate so their products are a lifesaver. I spent two weeks in Georgia this summer and my skin loved the humidity! I only packed a sunscreen moisturizer but, to keep packing light, didn't pack my extra moisture serum and nighttime moisturizer. Turns out in a humid climate, I didn't need them. So, climate and skin type plays a role in how minimal a person can be with skincare products.
As for other skin care items, I keep it simple. I do love Redmond Earthpaste toothpaste! Plus, for me, it's a local company even though I usually end up buying it through Thrive Market online. Good points about plastic containers for other items like soap, shampoo, etc. I need to rethink that. I do get Native deodorant in the cardboard tube. I agree about the over-antiperspirant issue.
Good point about TerraCycle — I do like it when companies — especially cosmetic and health — partner with them. There's a LOT of waste with the packaging there.
And thanks for all the resource mentions; I'll check out your links soon. 💛
One more plug for a favorite item: Savannah Bee Company lip balm. It does come in a plastic tube, unfortunately. However, the product itself is amazing. My friend and I brought back dozens to give as gifts it's that good. https://savannahbee.com/beauty/lip-face/
I’ve recently discovered oil cleanser, and my dry skin couldn’t be happier! You’ve bolstered my resolve to try my hand at making my own. Also, my husband tapes his mouth at night too. I razz him incessantly about it (all in jest, of course). Now hearing you endorse it, I might need to reconsider my stance 😉.
I got a little overzealous with skincare purchases during 2020 and am now stuck feeling like I need to use up all of the purchases and samples I've acquired, but your approach really appeals to me!
I just got my sky organics oils in the mail and am excited to try this for the first time. My only worry is that after I get in from a run, ive got sunscreen sweat streams coming down my face. I live in humid Houston. I'm going to try just to rinse with water post-run and moisturize. We shall see :) Thanks for sharing everyone! This is such a fun topic.
The windex comment/meme is the best!!
I haven't seen that movie in ages — I remember that being my favorite part.
As usual, your reflections are spot on! This brought me back to my early 20's when I had horrific acne (whyyyyy) and tried every 'natural' acne system I could get my hands on to no avail. What finally worked was diluted Dr. Bronner's peppermint soap as a cleanser, apple cider vinegar as a toner, and coconut oil to moisturize. It was a valuable lesson learned! I still swear by the Dr. B's peppermint soap and now use a moisturizer from Lily Ana Naturals, and I think my skin looks better at 34 than it did at 24. 🎉 I've been wanting to find a non-drugstore concealer and mascara and just might try the ones that you shared.
Nice! Yes, I'm a fan of Dr. Bronner's as well — we've used it for ages and I might try the bar soap next time I run out. And I was searching for LITERAL YEARS for a good natural mascara (the cake kind turned moldly on me) and so far, the Thrive Causemetics has been the ABSOLUTE best I've found from the not-too-terrible side of makeup.
Love this and also a devotee of skinimalism. I don't wear any makeup at all 95% of the time but do have a tinted moisturizer, concealer, and cream blush from Stowaway Cosmetics for when I feel like it. My favorite moisturizer for my face is from Mom's Stuff, a local business based in southern Utah. Living in the southwest, it really works for me, not sure how it would be in a more humid climate. I would like to figure out a better no or low-waste option for hair care - I tend to buy different things depending on what looks good at Target, just shampoo and conditioner though, no hair products. I use a crystal deodorant which lasts forever, like literally years before I have to replace it. It works great with my body chemistry although I know it's not for everyone.
This post reminded me of one of Glennon Doyle's We Can Do Hard Things podcast episodes where she asked why half the population is totally acceptable in public as-is (men) and half the population is not unless they spend time adding things on to their faces, manipulating their hair, etc.? This might vary depending on geography but I think it's pretty valid as a generalization and larger cultural message. Women are expected to spend so much more TIME on their skin and hair every. single. day. and what else could we be doing with that time? It was interesting food for thought and something I'm still thinking about weeks later.
I've thought about that exact same thing as well — the double standard of what's acceptable out in public, and the time and HUGE amounts of money women are told are just the baseline expectation of what it means to be civilized. It's mind-blowing.
I’m 100% behind an absolutely minimal skincare routine. I was fortunate to grow up with a mom who was uninterested in makeup and primping, so I never had a close role model teaching me that all that effort was all necessary to be a woman.
Body:
- a minimal packaging, natural bar soap in the shower
- pat dry with a towel and then lather on some body oil
- wearing dish gloves in the kitchen or when cleaning (plus putting on the body oil after showers keeps my hands from getting too dry)
Face:
- wash with water
- same bar soap in the shower
- a few drops of natural face oil
- I don’t own any makeup, though will use a chapstick or Vaseline for dry/chapped lips
Hair:
Recently started the kids (low effort) version of the Curly Girl Method, it keeps my hair moist, less frizzy, and really gives my waves some volume
- wash roots with a no sulfate shampoo
- generously apply a no silicone conditioner to the length of my hair, finger rake to remove tangles, “squish to condish” to get the water and conditioner really in to hydrate and moisturize
- barely rinse in cold water to remove most of the conditioner
- gently wrap in non-terry towel for a few minutes
- air dry and leave alone
Chagrin Valley Soap & Salve has a nice line of natural soaps, oils, creams, etc
I've heard the Curly Girl Method can work wonders! Sounds fascinating.
The full thing is so overly complex, I never would have even considered it. But my 5 year old has gorgeous curls and I had no idea how to keep them from becoming a total rats nest. After lots of internet rabbit holes, I found the much less involved kid’s version. I wanted to try it first to see whether it’d be too onerous for him. I was completely blown away by how much healthier my hair was after just one try.
I love the stuff you choose to discuss. I feel like such a nerd sometimes to get excited about these topics :)
An answer to your question "Why is this? Why do we fall prey to this idea?" could be found in reading The Beauty Myth by Naomi Wolf or listening to this podcast about the beauty myth: https://breaking-down-patriarchy.captivate.fm/episode/the-beauty-myth-by-naomi-wolf
Interesting story about the how the beauty industry came to be what Wolf calls 'the third shift.'
(The entire podcast is worth listening to from the first episode; it reviews essential texts about patriarchy in chronological order.)
Years ago I read The Beauty Bible by Paula Begoun and was fascinated by her story of getting fired from a cosmetics job for telling customers what products really could or could not do for their skin. I have used Paula's Choice skincare products ever since. https://www.paulaschoice.com/ My skin is sensitive and dry. I also live in a dry climate so their products are a lifesaver. I spent two weeks in Georgia this summer and my skin loved the humidity! I only packed a sunscreen moisturizer but, to keep packing light, didn't pack my extra moisture serum and nighttime moisturizer. Turns out in a humid climate, I didn't need them. So, climate and skin type plays a role in how minimal a person can be with skincare products.
I also like Paula's Choice because they have a partnership with TerraCycle as well as through guide to recycling packing: https://www.paulaschoice.com/expert-advice/skincare-advice/basic-skin-care-tips/how-to-recycle-beauty-products.html
As for other skin care items, I keep it simple. I do love Redmond Earthpaste toothpaste! Plus, for me, it's a local company even though I usually end up buying it through Thrive Market online. Good points about plastic containers for other items like soap, shampoo, etc. I need to rethink that. I do get Native deodorant in the cardboard tube. I agree about the over-antiperspirant issue.
Good point about TerraCycle — I do like it when companies — especially cosmetic and health — partner with them. There's a LOT of waste with the packaging there.
And thanks for all the resource mentions; I'll check out your links soon. 💛
One more plug for a favorite item: Savannah Bee Company lip balm. It does come in a plastic tube, unfortunately. However, the product itself is amazing. My friend and I brought back dozens to give as gifts it's that good. https://savannahbee.com/beauty/lip-face/
I’ve recently discovered oil cleanser, and my dry skin couldn’t be happier! You’ve bolstered my resolve to try my hand at making my own. Also, my husband tapes his mouth at night too. I razz him incessantly about it (all in jest, of course). Now hearing you endorse it, I might need to reconsider my stance 😉.
I mean... mouth taping looks RIDICULOUS. But oh my goodness, it's been such a lifesaver for me. Truly.
I got a little overzealous with skincare purchases during 2020 and am now stuck feeling like I need to use up all of the purchases and samples I've acquired, but your approach really appeals to me!
Hey Tsh, love this post! I ascribe to so many things here, and hurried to grab a few things that appealed to me.
How does the loofah soap bag thing work for shampoo/body bars? Do you lather it up in your hands to do your hair?
Do you still use lanolin for chapped lips? I had been doing that for a while when you posted about it years ago. Love it!
I just got my sky organics oils in the mail and am excited to try this for the first time. My only worry is that after I get in from a run, ive got sunscreen sweat streams coming down my face. I live in humid Houston. I'm going to try just to rinse with water post-run and moisturize. We shall see :) Thanks for sharing everyone! This is such a fun topic.