Ten Commandments of Green beauty by Julie Gabriel

I was reading this book called "The Green Beauty Guide" by Julie Gabriel, and I was literally shocked after reading the details of all the chemicals we take through our cosmetics in daily use, and how much danger can they cause to us. The book is written in a very simple and entertaining way, along with loads of scientific terms in it explained very clearly.

It discusses the nature of our skin, how it works, what it eats(!!), how it eats, how different chemicals and preservatives can effect our skin and various facts and certain harsh truths related to cosmetic industry and beauty product companies.

The book focuses more on going for safe and organic beauty regime, products which the writer has formulated and compiled after years of her experience and research with other experienced scientists and cosmetologists. Below I am sharing Ten Commandments of green beauty from the book that you can consider while starting your green beauty regime. Once you've learnt these commandments, you will be able to view the cosmetics you buy in a better way and decide for yourself what can help or hurt your skin:

1) Stop buying beauty products that contain phthalates, formaldehydes, phenols, sodium laureth sulfate, coal tar, toxic dyes and synthetic fragrances.

2) Stop buying cosmetics based solely on advertising claims or celebrity endorsements. Very few celebrities actually use the products they advertise. Neither do models whose faces are used in the advertisements, no matter what models say in interviews. Always read the label, scan the ingredient list online for chemical hazards, read online reviews and then decide whether this product is worth your money or not.

3) Don't believe that just because a cosmetic product is called 'natural', it is usually safer. Cosmetics may claim to be "natural" or made with "organic" ingredients, but may still include parabens and formaldehyde preservatives, synthetic fragrances, phthalates or other toxic ingredients.

4) Don't believe that you have to spend a lot of money on organic beauty products. Many inexpensive natural cosmetic lines have wonderful products that perform just as well as expensive ones because most plant extracts, vitamins and minerals are not exclusive to one company.

High quality ingredients do not necessarily cost a lot more; many cosmetic companies buy ingredients from the same farm or wholesale supplier. There are many organic beauty manufacturers who grow their own ingredients too. The only difference may be the concentration of their plant juices and extracts.

5) Don't believe that there is such a thing as a "magic beauty bullet". There are no secret ingredients that can instantly cure all your skin's woes, but there are many new effective active ingredients that can do wonders for your skin.

6) Don't compare your skin or hair to those of celebrities and spend hours moaning over a pimple, a wrinkle or a stray lock. All celebrities are humans with their flaws and insecurities, and their picture perfect skin is not due to the use of some secret potion but rather skillful hairstyling, makup artistry and probably computer retouching too.

7) Never share your mascara or lipstick with anyone. Never keep the jar of moisturizer open, lick the tip of your eyeliner, apply face cream with dirty hands and dilute shampoo with water. In simple words - never contaminate your beauty product and shorten its life span. Also, never use beauty products when their "best before" date is overdue.

8) Don't believe that you need a special moisturizer for hands and another one for the rest of your body; that you need an eye cream and a separate face cream and a really cute neck serum; that you can not use baby bath gel to cleanse your face; that you should have a different sunscreen lotion for each part of your body. In other words, don't let smart marketers manipulate you. Less is more, especially when it comes to organic formulations. From an oat scrub to a honey mask, the best things in beauty are incredibly cheap, and you don't need to spend tons of money to look great and be healthy.

9) Don't believe that if a famous doctor, chemist, dermatologist, yoga guru, hairstylist or a movie star created a formula, it would mean a world of difference. Lots of biologists, dermatologists, herbalists and even aerospace engineers are involved in whipping up beauty products. It is the juice in these products that matter, not the bottle or the label. Your skin doesn't care whose name is on the packaging. Read the ingredient list, ask smart questions about the concentration of particular ingredients, check reviews, be skeptical and take everything with a grain of sea salt.

10) Never keep a healthy beauty ritual a secret. Spread the news. Help teenage girls avoid toxic beauty products. If you work in a spa or a health care facility, explain the dangers of toxic chemicals to your patients and clients. Phone the companies whose products you use and express your concerns directly. Many product labels carry toll-free phone numbers. Be informed, vigilant consumer because what you know can turn really costly in terms of looks and health.

So, these are the Ten Commandments to start your green beauty routine. The book also showcases various alternative strategies, preservatives, natural and organic products that can be safe to the skin and readily used for more benefits without having any side effects. Apart from that there is a complete chapter for “DIY” recipes that are perfectly natural, and contain ingredients right from your kitchen slab and fridge. I'd definitely recommend you to get the book and read it. After all, your skin is your fabric for life and it is your duty to safeguard and preserve it in a better and healthier way!

Go Green, Get Gorgeous!

Julie Gabriel is a registered nutrition specialist, writer and editor of beauty and fashion. She has her own organic skincare line called Petite Marie Organics. Gabriel was the associate beauty editor of "Harper's Bazaar", beauty editor for "Atmospheres" and has written more than five hundred articles and features on fashion, beauty and lifestyle. For more information visit http://www.juliegabriel.com/


Note: I've written this review along with the commandments just because I personally felt like sharing this information with you. I don't hold any responsibility of anything, whatsoever. If you have any issues regarding this article, feel free to contact me.

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