07 Jun 2018
The Importance of Vegan Beauty and a Spotlight on Vapour Beauty
Given skin is the largest organ of the human beauty, it makes sense we treat it with care. The state of our skin is also one of the biggest indicators that notify us whether/not everything on the inside is functioning as it should. Ever notice your skin gets angry when your digestion is playing up? No coincidence! I laugh when I hear people talk about the importance of consuming organic, wholefoods, only to go and apply layers upon layers of chemical-laden make up and skincare each day. “Oh but it’s not tested on animals and is vegan”. Sorry to break it to you folks, vegan doesn’t automatically = natural … nor good for you! Some chemicals are vegan!
So why is it important to invest in good quality, natural (and preferably organic) makeup?
For starters, natural products are less likely to cause skin irritation than their synthetic counterparts. For those of us with digestive issues, our skin also tends to be sensitive as the two are closely related, particularly if you suffer from coeliac disease and/or a dairy allergy in addition to IBS. Products containing chemicals and other strange ingredients such as Benzoyl Peroxide (used to treat acne) often leave skin feeling dry, red and sore. Naturally sourced ingredients such as lavender, zinc oxide, flower and plant extracts, and oils are all wonderfully healing, natural ingredients that will leave your skin feeling smooth and nourished. I’m especially a fan of shea butter and coconut oil to nourish skin.
Your makeup ingredients list should almost read like a recipe ingredient list. Why? Many ingredients that are included in organic skincare products have been used for centuries, developed from ancient remedies that have been known for their incredible benefits for the skin and overall health. They are ingredients found in nature, not those created in a lab. You’ve heard the old saying … “if you wouldn’t eat it, don’t put in your skin”. What we put ON our bodies is just as important as what we put IN them.
While many cite the high cost of natural/organic products, the reality is you’re actually saving money. a) Lower likelihood of reaction = more likely to stick with the product, without abandoning it in fear of your skin falling off or breaking out into giant red craters! There’s nothing worse than feeling like you’ve thrown money down the drain because you can’t finish a product. b) Organic and natural skincare products are actually very cost effective when compared to their non-natural alternatives, especially as the quality of the ingredients means you can use less, which in turn means the product will last longer over time. Finally, c) products with synthetic “active ingredients” can often retail at over $100 with gimmicky marketing and sketchy “science” promising instant results over night. If it sounds too good to be true: it is! Remember to view all advertising with a sceptical eye.
If I haven’t convinced you to switch to natural make up due to the health benefits, let me appeal to the environmentalist in you. Skincare products that contain chemicals can have a very damaging impact on the environment. For example, sprays and perfumes that are released into the atmosphere can be very harmful, contributing to global warming. So too can the manufacturing process that takes place to create them. When rinsing off your make up … where do you think the chemicals in them are going to end up as they flush down your sink? That’s right, good ol’ mother nature is taking quite the beating, all in the name of beauty!
So, what organic make up brands am I currently crushing on? Hands down one of my all-time favourite ethical brands is Vapour Beauty. Why? Vapour truly blurs the line between skincare and makeup, suspending gorgeous color blends in concentrated, moisturizing bases bursting with antioxidant activity. Vapour’s bold approach to crafting high-performance cosmetics includes only the purest, active ingredients from the earth—and nothing else. With the highest purity standards and an unwavering commitment to both sustainability and luxury, Vapour has reinvented organic beauty.
Below, I’ve listed the products involved in my go-to 10-minute morning beauty routine. I’m not one for a very heavy coverage, but the great thing about Vapour’s products is that you can build up the level of coverage as desired. So, whether you’re a natural chic like myself, or a made-up bombshell, there’s something to suit us all! Vapour has made it easy for vegans, with their extensive range of vegan carmine-free products.
• Atmosphere luminous foundation (I’m verging on vampire status with my pale skin, so light with yellow undertones is my jam, but the colour selection is HUGE so you’re bound to find one that suits – regardless of whether you’re a pink or yellow undertone, fair like Keria Knightly, or an Amazonian goddess) You definitely use a primer under this but I’m lucky if I get 10 minutes so I’ll reserve this step for weekends when I have a bit more time.
• Aura Multi Use Blush – I like crush and cheeky (cream blush is the BEST thing you’ll ever do, especially if you’re prone to dry skin … trust me!)
• Mesmerize eye colour – if you’ve never used a cream-based eye shadow before, you’re missing out! It glides on so effortless and you can say goodbye to sneezing your eye shadow off. Coverage is easily built, and I find it almost acts as a mini eye treatment due to its moisturising nature #twoinone
• Finally, I finish off with the lux organic lip conditioner. Given I’ve recently moved to a colder climate, this is a necessity. It’s not too oily so I don’t feel gross leaving it on all day and can easily drink tea (VERY important) and eat with it on. The siren lipstick range is fab if you want a bit of colour.
Let me leave you by saying it is easy to find natural alternatives to all skin products and make-up. Whether you are targeting spots, wrinkles or just want your skin to feel clean and healthy, natural products are kinder to your skin and will work just as effectively. If there’s a healthier, more ethical choice out there (which are cheaper in the long run as explained above), why not make the switch?