Make Up
Believe it or not, I am actually going to start with make up. All of you who know me, I barely wear any make up, may be an occasional eye liner. Years ago, I ditched it as I could not find anything that was not laden with toxic chemicals. Even more natural ones would make my skin break out. So I  just quit. For most families who are diligent about ‘clean living’, make up is the last one to change as there are very few non toxic make up products out there.
UNTIL NOW.
Why? Guys, Young Living just launched a whole line of all natural mineral make up called ” Savvy Minerals” that is completely free of toxic chemicals. It is phenomenal.
I have a blog post on FAQ’s about Savvy minerals to help address questions including price comparison since it is a lot to cover in this newsletter.
If you have tried it, do share your before and after pictures for fun 
Sun Screen
Oh! the good old sunscreen talk !!!! This has given me so much anxiety over the years because I could never find one that was devoid of toxic chemicals.
Environmental Working Group ( EWG) has detailed information on how to select a good sunscreen. It is really worrisome to find so many chemicals and hormone disruptors like oxybenzone and retinyl palmate that can cause harm to the skin in most popular sunscreens out there. They share that mineral based sunscreens using zinc oxide are quite effective. And they talk about how higher SPF’s are not necessarily better and can often be misleading. In fact, high SPF sunscreens increases the risk of skin cancer. The ever popular sprays these days pose the threat of being inhaled and not providing enough coating on the skin.
These are the main reasons I started making my own when my  son was born 3.5 years ago. And once again, Young Living has come to the rescue. Their new mineral based sunscreen is awesome.
I mean, take a look at the ingredients – non nano zinc oxide so that your skin will not absorb it and yet provide protection that you need. It is vegetarian, not tested on animals though not vegan as it contains bees wax.
Only plant and mineral based ingredients and offering protection for both UVA and UVB rays.
Don’t be fooled by SPF 10. All it means is that you have to reapply after 80 min of being out. It is clinically proven to be resistant to water and sweat. You will NEVER look at another sunscreen after trying this out.
Insect Repellent
If you love the outdoors like me, you probably are also concerned about the critters that inhibit enjoying being out. When I started researching bug repellents in the market, I was mortified to see that the only choice of an effective one was the one with deet. It is again a controversial topic.
Having children has made me a lot more cautious of chemicals and deet is one of them. I would rather not take a chance than test it out only to have serious consequences.
Since I did not find an effective ‘all natural’ outdoor spray, I made my own using my trusted oils. And I have to say that it has worked well for us – I do have to use it very often though which can be a pain.
But, I am so excited to say that once again Young Living has outdid itself. They just released a new ‘all natural’ clinically tested Bug Repellent.
And as with most of Young Living’s products, you only need a tiny amount for it to do the work. It is completely plant based so vegan. A bottle will last you the whole season.
If you would like to learn more, see this short video on all these products.
Toothpaste
Did you know that the FDA has now banned Triclosan, an ingredient often found in antibaterial soaps and many toothpaste. Dr Mercola has an interesting article on ” Is your toothpaste loaded with toxins?” Many toothpastes contain harmful and potentially carcinogenic ingredients.
So, I would highly recommend switching over to clean toothpaste like Thieves which has no sulfates, dyes, artificial colors, fluorides OR you could make your own – lot more cumbersome.but a better option than many of the popular brands.
YL makes 4 different types of toothpaste including one for children called Kidsscent. They are all free of sulfate, fluoride, artificial flavors, dyes.
Another fantastic use of the Thieves toothpaste is something that you will never guess. It can be used as a deodorant. What???? Yes, take a tiny dime size and rub under your arms for an all natural deodorant. Try it, really, I am not joking.
Deodorant
Talking about deodorants. It is better to use deodorant to antiperspirants as most antiperspirants in the market contains aluminum and parabens. Aluminum plugs the ducts often causing build up of breast tissue in women and interfere with estrogen receptors.
So, check the ingredients in your product if you are using one. Use natural deo’s like Thieves toothpaste or follow this simple recipe take from HomeMade Mommy’s website.
- 6 Tbsp Arrowroot Powder
- 3 Tbsp shea butter
- 2 Tbsp Coconut Oil
- 1 Tbsp baking soda
- 2 Tbsp Bentonite Clay
- 10 drops of the essential oil of your choice (I used Purification essential oil blend because it neutralizes odors)
Directions
Add the shea butter and coconut oil to a stand mixer and whip it until incorporated. Turn down to low and slowly pour in the essential oil.
Meanwhile, in a separate small bowl, mix together your dry ingredients.
With your stand mixer on low, add 1/3 of your dry ingredients. Mix until incorporated and push down the sides as necessary. Then add another third of your dry ingredients and mix until incorporated. Then add the last of your dry ingredients. You should now have what appears to be little bits of dough in the bowl. Scoop the mixture out and roll into a ball like you are working with play dough. Then pre ss into an airtight 2 ounce glass jar and store away from direct sunlight.
Apply a tiny pea sized amount to both underarms for all day protection. I also carry some in a tiny container in my purse for days when I really need to re-apply midday.
Or just get Young Living’s Meadow Mist or Mountain Mint Aromaguard
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