The “green” revolution is well on its way to becoming a social norm, and, in response, organic products have emerged in a range of markets, from clothing to cleaning products. But what if you could take care of the earth AND your own body at the same time? Now that the beauty product industry is getting on board with the green movement, you can! Going organic in this area of your life will make you feel great, inside and out. It seems a little counterproductive to use “beautifying” products that only put toxins into your body, but organic products can change that routine!
One ingredient you may see often is olive oil. The benefits olive oil has for your skin are so worthy of the few extra bucks you may have to shell out. Olive oil has been shown to reduce your risk of skin cancer before and after exposure to sunlight. In addition, it is probably one of the most effective moisturizers out there. Shave your legs with it, use it as a body scrub in the shower, or eat it on a salad. On top of the moisturizing and protective effects, olive oil is packed with antioxidants that will leave you feeling like a new, healthier woman.
Another thing to look out for: paraben-free products. Parabens – chemicals widely used as preservatives in cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries – can irritate sensitive skin, but a lot of brands have paraben-free items on store shelves now. Don’t know what stores to go to? Here are a couple of local places to go for the organic treatment you deserve:
Market of Choice, 29th and Willamette and on Franklin next to Hirons
Not only do they have great organic food choices, they also have a plethora of organic beauty product brands. Among the choices are Alaffia, 80 Organic, and Desert Essence. These brands and more all contain organic ingredients, and their delicious smell will have the guys digging your natural vibe. Yes, there are natural products that don’t smell like oatmeal or patchouli! The prices aren’t too bad either; the shampoos and conditioners ranged from $6 to $8, and on average, you get the same amount of fluid ounces as non-organic products. If you really want to go the distance, buy in bulk! With less traveling to the market and more money saved, buying in bulk is a great way to live a green life. At Market of Choice, you can buy shampoos and conditioners in bulk for $4 to $5 per pound. What a steal!
Sundance, 748 East 24th Ave.
Sundance, like Market of Choice, sells mainly organic, vegetarian, and vegan foods, but they do have a good selection of beauty products as well. They also offer the choice of buying in bulk, which I think we’ve already established is a benefit-heavy move. But here’s where it gets better: make a special order for a product they don’t have, and you get a 10% discount.
So follow these instructions for a sweet deal:
Step one: Get on your laptop, and research the organic products that are best for you.
Step two: Call up the friendly people at Sundance, and place an order.
Step three: Reward yourself by using the money you saved to buy something awesome at the Saturday Market.
Bria Bodycare, 13th and Willamette
If you’ve got some extra cash and you’re in need of some pampering, pop into Bria, one of the few soothing organic spas in Eugene. The employees are always happy to help point you in the green direction. Most of their products are from the Eminence line, a fully organic and wonderfully indulgent brand of olive oil-packed products. You’ll be instantly seduced by the scents of coconut, lime, and honeydew. Right now, they’re stocking up on sun-defense items for late spring and summer, so you can protect yourself from and prevent aging and skin cancer, killing two birds with one stone. (I mean this only figuratively because killing birds kind of goes against the whole “environmentally-friendly” idea.)
For more information on organic products, you can go to the USDA National Organic Program to get a list of products to buy and avoid. So if you’re looking to get healthy fast while reducing your impact on the earth, go organic with your beauty! Because, after all, green is beautiful.