Choosing Natural Beauty
For decades when I was deep in my career as a teacher in Las Vegas, Nevada, I used ALL the commercial products: hair care, hair colorants, skincare, sunscreens, lotions, anti-aging cures, chemical exfoliants…and I could go on and on and on. I struggled with a skin condition (rosacea acne) that was very difficult to control, and was also on heavy duty medications for twenty years…which of course caused side effects in my body that in turn I needed to take even more medications for. This didn’t help my skin at all.
You see, your skin is one of the indicators of health in your body. In fact, liver health and other body system health levels can often be determined, at least in part, by the appearance and the health conditions of your skin. Every single thing you eat, drink, and put on your body affects your health…positively or negatively.
When I finally realized how toxic commercial products are and that I could actually make most of my own products using the plants God has gifted to us, and that they actually work BETTER than the toxic synthetic chemicals created in a lab (often from petrochemical waste), I was so thrilled. I dove into my skincare studies, began formulating products for myself and others, and have shared literally hundreds of recipes for various skin conditions, which you can find on my website and YouTube channel.
I even use herbal ways (henna and indigo) now to color my hair, and have for around seven years!
But sometimes, we just can’t make ALL the things. Exfoliators, for example, are very difficult to make at home; at least ones that actually work. And mascara….mascara is a huge challenge for me. Good lotions take a great deal of skill to make, too!
For the past decade, I’ve been on a mission to find the BEST natural skincare products for myself that I can, in case I just don’t want to (or can’t) make my own. I’ve tried hundreds of products. Companies have sent me samples. I’ve been through the products at Whole Foods, Sprouts, and other “natural” shops, including Aveda Salons (which aren’t all that natural). I became a label reader!
Knowing so many chemicals are endocrine disruptors, cause cancer over time, and may even be stored in your fat cells if they can’t be purged and filtered by your over-taxed body caused me to continue my search for a natural company, even with all the obstacles.
I want you to think about something…..
Think about a newborn baby.
Most infants are slathered from day one with these toxic products. And most people don’t know they’re dangerous….And the years go by. Now we have teenagers and adults with decades of toxic product use…. Have you ever wondered where all these auto-immune diseases and hormone issues that the medical community can’t explain might be coming from? Or why more and more men are experiencing breast cancer? Or perhaps why little girls are starting their puberty earlier and earlier now?
It’s not that far a leap to connect years of toxic product use and environmental pollution (room fragrances, laundry detergents, and cleaners, etc.) and the decline in the health of people in developed countries.
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Anyhow….
After years of searching, I happened upon a “natural” beauty company I enjoyed. The problem? The products were WAY too expensive, and on the continuum of “natural,” I suspected they weren’t as far along the side of natural as I wanted….
And then I came across Lemongrass Spa.
It’s a company I could actually (finally) get behind. I’ve tried their products, I’ve read their labels, I’ve searched the Environmental Working Group for any kind of anything that’s out of bounds of the “natural” that I’ll accept….and they’ve passed every single test.
No animal testing and cruelty free. Natural ingredients. Organic if possible. Plant-based. Essential oils instead of chemicals…..
In addition, even hard to make natural products (like mascara) they’ve managed to excel at.
Here are some of my favorite products, and if you’re an “older” lady like me, I think you’ll appreciate many of these:
OK. I have a confession. I used to use a very high end chemical exfoliator on my fact….for years. It was the ONLY thing I could get to work without a ton of irritation. BUT, I felt so guilty. I knew this company tested on animals, and they are as far from natural as can be. So, you can imagine how thrilled I was to find a TRULY natural exfoliant that’s easy to use!
Why is exfoliation important?
Well, as we age, our skin’s natural ability to turn over dead cells to reveal the plump, beautiful skin below declines dramatically. Using a good exfoliator encourages healthy cell turnover, and makes your skin look smooth, dewy, and just plain lovely.
I am VERY picky about the mascara I use on my eyes. In fact, there used to be only two brands I’d use, and these cost a LOT of money (over $30). I’m kind of ashamed of this, but the reality is that like it or not, my eyelashes are thin and blond. They are long….luckily. But they have absolutely no substance. Hence….mascara.
But I’ve NEVER once found a mascara with natural ingredients that worked for me. Never. Not once.
Until now.
Lemongrass Spa has an organic mascara that is GOOD for your lashes, while actually working. I love it.
This stuff is amazing. This would take the place of any kind of toner you use. Toning your skin after cleansing helps your skin rebalance its pH level, tightens the skin, and prepares it for moisturization and then makeup. Usually I use a simple rose hydrosol, and this has been great.
Until I tried Lemongrass Spa’s Rose Mist. This mist contains rose hydrosol….and it also contains willow bark extract. If you’re familiar with willow bark extract (as an herbalist, I sure am), then you know that the salicin, which is a chemical in this plant, is not only great for pain relief but is extremely useful for aging skin. BOOM.
It’s a perfect combination!
This lightweight serum hydrates and brightens. ‘Nuff said.
When I first saw this gel, I couldn’t believe that it could be so effective. After all, I was used to the heavy creams that comprise most eye treatments.
This gel is lightweight, and it works. It tightens and tones the under eye area, and is perfect by itself or layered with a moisturizer.
AND….I love the Overnight Ultra Lift too. My skin is definitely feeling firmer after a couple of week’s consistent use!
I’m loving the liquid foundation! It glides on smoothly, and it feels amazing…besides looking great all day long. I know that “older ladies” are often told not to wear foundation because it sinks into your wrinkles….but let me tell you: This foundation doesn’t do this! And it smells great!
OK….This lotion can be used all over the body, but for your legs and feet, it’s especially helpful. It contains lavender and magnesium oil. This combination has been proven to soothe, calm, and help improve sleep, too.
There’s a full line of makeup, sets of all kinds, anti-aging products, and so much more!
If you’re interested in going natural, you’ll LOVE Lemongrass Spa!
Reach out to me if you have questions, and be sure to visit Lemongrass Spa!