Cosmetic Safety and Redefining Beauty

http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/

The link above is a great tool for examining the safety of what you are using in your daily bathing activities. As my family and coworkers already know, I cleaned out my beauty closet last year and managed to save only a few products, some of which I am still seeking out replacements for. The change was spurred by pregnancy, breastfeeding and research on what we are unknowingly passing on from one generation to the next and into our environment.

Changing products also included eliminating unnecessary items and establishing a very simple routine and refocused mindset for "beauty". I am highly amused when people get TV recognition for not wearing make up - especially teens, but this is worth sharing to illustrate a point.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/10/19/earlyshow/living/parenting/main6971793.shtml

The feature above is about teens "redefining beauty" and choosing to go without makeup one day a week.

One moment in my life that stands out regarding this topic took place in a camp site bathroom. At the time, I had just finished brushing my teeth and looked up at the other women by the sinks. Every one was putting on makeup and probably attempting to duplicate a home beauty routine while "roughing it". I recall thinking that somehow I would teach my future child to have a thoughtful, practical and natural approach to beauty, one that, at the least, would not include worrying about wearing makeup in a campsite.

That, obviously, is not the point, but illustrates how we become set in routines, thoughts and actions about how things should be and don't think about what we are actually putting on our skin, or in our mouths every day. We are a consumer zombie nation. A nation where advertising reflects our stupidity and our lack of insight into the products we consume.

Goal: examine cosmetic purchases impact on health and on planet.
Questions: What example do we want to set for our children? How can we fight back against zombie beauty practices? What does beauty "redefined" look like? Are you beautiful with less?