Makeup tips from Students of Makeup and Artistry Course

Gone are the days when we used to buy cosmetics without looking at the labels. In early teen years, we might not have paid much heed to what ingredients do skin moisturizers or shampoos contained as long as it sufficed the daily routine. Skincare awareness is a prolonged process. There is no way for the users of skincare and cosmetics to know more than what is shown to them in the advertisements? At least that was the case.

But, not anymore.

We live in the information age, and people want to know what goes into the products that they apply or use on their skin. Is it made from chemicals that affect hormones? Does it contain harmful preservatives? Is it natural made? Does it comprise plastic and is it tested on animals? The list goes on.

I am glad as a student at JD Institute of Fashion Technology that such a transition is happening. In my experience, these are some of the things I keep in mind when I shop for skin care.

• Natural products are not chemical-free.

All products have a minimum level of chemicals. Watch out for synthetic chemicals in your makeup, although all such chemicals may not be harmful. It remains ambiguous, but certain chemicals like oxybenzone and homosalate have been found to be toxic. Use organic make-up and creams, wash them off as soon as you come home to be safe.

• Many chemicals in makeup and moisturizers can cause skin irritations and allergies. It is more common in cases where the skin is already prone to acne, eczema, and dryness. It is caused by toxic preservatives such as parabens found in shampoos and creams and butylated compounds.

Some cause health concerns through bio-accumulation by seeping through skin pores. Others are found to have serious long-term effects. Select your makeup with thorough research.

Tip: Use water-based foundations.

• You are not alone if you feel that your products are not prepared sustainably. Simple ingredients such as micro-beads in scrub creams cause tons of plastic waste, and they are banned in many nations. Also, plastic packaging for skin care produces almost a third of the world’s plastic junk.

Tip: Look for glass bottles or containers that have minimal cellophane and cardboard for your lotions and make up as much as possible. It’s difficult to do so for every product as some contain ingredients like Vitamin C that require strict packing. But, it doesn’t hurt to eliminate as much as possible and look for homemade remedies at times.

• Select lipsticks and mascara which do not have heavy metals. Those containing lead, chromium have been banned in many places. Try shampoos and soaps that are sulfate free. They are less prone to release toxic waste and will add to follicular health. The same goes for phthalates which cause the pleasing smell but could prove toxic.
• Make sure your products are not tested on animals. To be an ethical consumer, check for Cruelty-Free International’s Leaping Bunny symbol or PETA database before buying your makeup and cosmetics.

Global skincare and cosmetics are mostly unregulated, and the scientific evidence for potentially toxic substances are vague. However, it’s good to be cautious.

Some great and easy kitchen tips that can be useful alternates to the cosmetics as below;

1) Use virgin coconut oil as a makeup remover. Your skin feels moisture as well.

2) Use Rock salt for a natural scrub or Fiber scrub instead of plastic Loofahs

3) To brighten eyes and remove dark circles gently apply castor oil around eye area before sleep

4) To cool off body heat and dandruff, generously apply Aloe Vera Gel on your scalp and eyes

These are just a few of the many natural ways that you can have a healthy skin and hair to then deck up gorgeously.

At JD Institute of Fashion Technology, we are taught sustainable and ethical practices in light of Makeup course and Hairstyling course.