Big cosmetic manufacturers promote their products as working wonders for beauty, meanwhile, most of them are packed with ingredients which some we wouldn’t even use to renovate our house with. And, despite the worldwide ban since 2018 on animal testing, in 2020 the EU declared it “needs” to test two types of chemicals on animals. Seems like the laws change like the weather. Thousands of animals will be injected again with heinous and deadly cosmetics. So much for the positive switch…
The Eco footprint of Artificial Cosmetics
Is big! Not only is pouring artificial ingredients down the drain harmful for our environment – so are the gazillions of plastic containers used to store them. The world is currently drowning in plastic waste, now more than ever due to non-reusable plastic masks being worn by most of civilization. Or, those plastic microbeads used in face and body scrubs which land in our waterways… consumed by marine life. And eventually by us. Ughh.
The best bet is to purchase waste-free cosmetics in glass returnable containers, or … some stores have even gone the extra mile and you can refill ‘em! Avoid plastic bead scrubs at all costs. Instead, reach for natural substitutes, like sugar, oats, or rice (these are perfect for the face). Use the rougher apricot seed scrubs for the body.
Only Feed Your Skin Goodies
Why do we care more about what we eat than what we put “on” our bodies? Our skin is the organ taking up the largest surface on our body. It absorbs 64% of what we put on it, so be mindful of your cosmetic choices. Otherwise, you might end up intoxicating yourself without even realizing.
While, everything in this world is some kind of chemical (yes, even you!) you should get your know-how on which chemicals are harmful and which are “ok”. It’s important to avoid heavy metals in your products, as well as the long list of nasty chemicals mentioned at the end of this article.
How Can We Make Smart Choices?
1. Make your own cosmetics
You can have a lot of fun creating your personalized mixtures of creams, lotions, and washing gels or foams. The base ingredients are wax, oils (olive, coconut oil, sesame, avocado, rosehip… all varying in thickness), clays (great for detoxing the skin), starch, and butter (such as cocoa butter). There is a wide array of DIY tutorials online; here are a few we found particularly good:
Face Moisturizer
Facial Cleanser
Body Lotion
Mouth Wash
2. Make A Conscious Choice
Feeling inspired? We certainly are! Be your own cosmetic designer – save money, give cute gifts to your friends, while saving the planet and being eco-friendly. What else could you ask for?
By being extra mindful about the beauty products you buy – most products have specific symbols on their stickers. They include: SLS-free, Paraben-free, gluten-free (for those of you who are allergic, and…
Ever wondered about those cute bunny logos?
Perhaps you already have a hunch. Yep, they mean the product’s cruelty-free. There are three of them:
There a few things you should keep in mind, though. It could be that the company cannot afford to pay for the license of these logos, and still be cruelty-free. And, there are – unfortunately – loads of imitations of these logos that don’t guarantee the company doesn’t test on animals. Sad, but true. Many of these producers are just boosting their PR.
Only buy from waste-free and verified natural cosmetics brands. Numerous companies have invented (or, actually re-invented) some pretty effective natural cosmetics. You can buy some affordable and 100% natural basics on these websites:
Or, you can go for some upper-shelf, natural remedies, like:
Dr Hauschka (available at De Tuinen or Ekoplaze)
Skins
A professional cosmetics brand, which is cruelty-free and natural is Dr Bauman
Armed with information, you can now confidently pick up any cosmetic and immediately know if it’s it’s a keeper. Or you might decide the best place for this product is the bin. There’s also one more thing you should know. By supporting the right kind of manufacturers, we change the world we live in. Buying less plastic waste and animal cruelty-free cosmetics, we inspire other less mindful companies to make changes to keep up with the game. You have soo much more power than you think!
- written by Michelle Prygiel
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Summer is hot, bright and sharp (pitta), and it boots most people’s energy levels and speeds up their metabolism. According to Ayurveda, the food that we put into our bodies affects our entire well-being, so it’s important to read up on our prakruti. Everyone has a specific balance of the three doshas.
After a long year living in isolation, picking up our normal work routines again can leave us feeling stressed.
These 4 mindfulness exercises can be practised anywhere at anytime, helping us create awareness and presence.
Perhaps you have already heard of the Iceman from Limburg. He is not only famous for breaking several world records, such as longest swim under ice, but also for inventing a unique breathing technique. One that reminds us what it feels to feel empowered and reconnected with nature. Living in modern civilization, we lose touch with our natural strength and resistance. Breathing, cold exposure, and commitment (the three pillars of The Method) allow us to master the capabilities of our bodies!
On Thursday, the 10th of June, the New Moon in Gemini will appear at 12:52 in Amsterdam. This moon is conjunct Mercury retrograde and square Neptune. In Astrology, this often relates to mental confusion, miscommunication and deception. Maybe not the greatest set of characteristics to be challenged with - but with caution and honesty we can come a long way!
Ho’oponopono – a Hawaiian healing mantra. It’s oftern the simplest mantras which have the most profound effects. This mantra firstly starts working within; restoring self love and forgiveness.
Ever since the harmful impact of carbon emissions has been made official, many of us have chosen to keep plane travel at a bare minimum. Luckily, there are so many other forms of transport available in these times. Most trips may take a bit longer, however they guarantee a fantastic adventure in itself!
Mindfulness is continuos process, a journey into our being. In this blog we highlight the different aspects and how we can integrate them into our lives. Its not about just feeling better but being better.
On Tuesday, the 11th of May, the New Moon in Taurus will appear at 20:59 in Amsterdam. We’re at crossroads now - leaving behind one reality and welcoming another. This New Moon invites us all to dream again and take up the willpower to make those dreams come true. Thanks to the influence of Mercury, Neptune, Saturn, Mars, and Uranus the following few days will be rather exciting.
When we think of “letting go”, certain associations may come up… surrender, forgiveness, acceptance, non-attachment. All of these terms sound challenging. And they are – at first.
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Are we really wanting to replace nature, instead of living more consciously? How about giving bees and butterflies a little boost by creating a garden with their favorite plants?
Tuesday the 27th of April isn’t only Kingsday here in The Netherlands - it’s also the date on which the Full Moon appears in the sky. At 5:31 AM, this Super Full Moon in Scorpio will appear, marking a milestone of the new cycle. This full moon is opposite Uranus, and in astrology, we relate that to unexpected changes and events, impulsiveness, and even rebelliousness.
We all want to help out Mother Earth. She is having a hard time right now, dealing with important matters such as deforestation, pollution, toxic waters, mono agriculture, and many more. A large part of this is caused by human interference - so it is also in our power to put things right. Today, Thursday the 22st of April, marks Earth Day, which is the perfect excuse for all of us to do something worthwhile. Of course, we’d love to see all 365 days be Earth Day, but it’s a step in the right direction!
Whether you want to admit it or not: fear is a natural part of life. We experience uncertainty from our first moments on this planet. Everything is new. Unpredictable. After some time, we become accustomed to most things, and this level of fear decreases. F
Want to be more productive at work and want to get rid of staring at your computer for several hours straight? We’ve got just the thing for you to achieve this goal.
Probably most of you have heard the name at some point. Tantra. One of the most misunderstood, yet intriguing spirituals paths for the Western mind.
The science of Ayurveda is great and ancient, although it is not commonly known amongst most people. In short, Ayurveda is an alternative medicine system that originated in India. This type of traditional medicine aims to holistically treat and heal not only the body but also the mind and spirit. This is can be achieved by changing your lifestyle - including your diet, the way to exercise, meditate and breathe.
Let us introduce you to mindful walking meditation and a beautiful route to practice this meditation in Amsterdam East. Matching with our new yoga and meditation location in Amsterdam East (Zeeburgerpad 8), we discovered a beautiful route for your meditation through the same area.
The arrival of spring has been celebrated as long as humanity exists. The symbol of rebirth and fertility, spring is the messenger of hope and new beginnings. The ancient Egyptians celebrated the Festival of Isis during this period and the return of life to the world. The date of the festivity was marked by the rising of the Nile, when supposedly Isis mourned over the death of her lover and shed tears into the water.
On Sunday, the 28th of March, the next Full Moon in Libra will appear in Amsterdam at 20:48 PM. This full moon is influenced by the Sun, Venus, and Chiron - which all relate back to healing broken hearts. Just like the past New Moon, the full moon of this month continues the theme of love.
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We live in a society surrounded by plastic. Just take one glance at the products in the supermarket - just how many do you see that are not wrapped in plastic? But not only food is covered in plastic: we are covered in it as well.
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What can we do to do better? Big cosmetic manufacturers promote their products as working wonders for beauty, meanwhile, most of them are packed with ingredients which some we wouldn’t even use to renovate our house with. And, despite the worldwide ban since 2018 on animal testing, in 2020 the EU declared it “needs” to test two types of chemicals on animals.
With the arrival of the New Moon this Saturday at 11:21, fresh Spring air seems to reach us… Take it all in, as this new air brings us not only the change of seasons, but also a little bit of love! The March new moon is in very close alignment to Venus and Neptune, which indicates that the perfect foundation for new love and compassion is upon us!
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Its aroma is irresistible. So many people cannot imagine starting a day without it. Is coffee flawless in its perfection? Like a modern-day beverage of the Gods... or should we consume it mindfully?