Natural Beauty

After watching documentaries and researching harmful chemicals that are put into beauty products, I am much more aware of what I put on my skin when it comes to make-up and skin and hair care. It is vitally important to be conscientious of what goes into the products we put on the largest organ in our body, our skin, which absorbs up to 75% of substances it comes into contact with. These three companies are some of my favorites that do not add in toxic chemicals and are dedicated to preserving the environment and our health. 

LUSH: Lush is one of the best companies I've ever come across, I am absolutely obsessed with their products! I first shopped at Lush a couple years ago and right off the bat, I strongly admired them for their ethics. I'm sure many of you know them for their increasingly popular bath bombs, but they also sell henna hair dye, soaps, shampoo/conditioner, toothpaste, face/hair masks, shimmer bars (right?), makeup, and even more.
Why do I love them?
1. They use 100% vegetarian ingredients, 80% being vegan.
2. They never test on animals; they actually donate proceeds to fighting animal testing, and never buy ingredients from companies that do.
3. All of their packaging is biodegradable, recycled material and they use as little plastic as they can, selling whole products without packaging whenever possible.
4. They rarely use synthetics, and when they do they use safe ones to ensure that your skin isn't being exposed to dangerous chemicals.
5. Their products are aromatheraputic.
6. The quality is on point! You won't be disappointed if you shop here.
7.The employees at the store are super helpful and friendly.
Website: www.lushusa.com

PACIFICA: After trying countless natural, organic makeup brands and becoming increasingly disappointed with the quality, Pacifica was a god-sent. It is becoming my favorite spot to shop for makeup recently due to their dedication to ethics, safety for your body, and surprisingly fairly cheap prices. They sell all kinds of makeup, perfume, nail polish, and even candles!
Why do I love them?
1. This company is 100% Vegan.
2. Similar to Lush, they are cruelty-free, and do not test on animals.
3. Their products never include, as their website proudly boasts (as they should), "phthalates, parabens, sulfates, propylene glycol, mineral oil, petroleum, peanut oil, triclosan, and other ingredients you do not want on your skin".
4. They have wonderfully scented candles that are all made in Portland, Oregon with lead-free wicks, another toxic offender. 
5. Their makeup is great quality compared to other natural makeup brands; one of their goals as a company is to go against the idea that natural makeup doesn't work well, and as a beauty lover I can honestly say that they are achieving that goal.
Website: www.pacificabeauty.com/ 

ACURE:
Last Christmas, my mom got me some products from this company, and now I continually purchase from their website because of how great their items are. All of their products are certified organic, which, is hard to find in the beauty industry, and not only are they safe for your body, all the products I've used personally smell fresh and delicious. They sell skin and hair care items including: shampoo and conditioner, facial cleanser and moisturizer, oil for your skin, and lip balm.
Why I love them?
1. As aforementioned, they're Certified Organic!
2. They're cruelty-free just like Pacifica and Lush.
3. Their products are free from phthalates, gluten, sulfates, artificial colors, and harmful preservatives. 
4. They use natural and essential oils that work wonders for your skin and hair which may be tarnished or damaged from chemicals commonly found in non-natural products.
5. They are family owned and operated which allows them to ensure that their ethical and sustainability standards remain high.
Website: ​www.acureorganics.com 

There are many more natural beauty companies out there, but these three are my favorite. I hope you all check out their websites and test out some of their products, your body will thank you for it in the long run if you commit to using natural beauty products as much as possible.
If anyone is interested in knowing the toxic chemicals commonly added into beauty supplies, one can find a comprehensive list here: ​http://www.safecosmetics.org/get-the-facts/chemicals-of-concern/