I don't have the time, why bother, I'm no good... There's always a good reason not to change. If you're tempted by minimalist cosmetics and reluctant to take the plunge, here's what should motivate you.
"Why bother?"
After all, why make your own products when you can buy them off the shelf? But there are plenty of reasons to take the plunge. For one thing, you know exactly what you're putting on your body; you know the exact composition of the products you're putting on your skin or hair. And then there's homemade cosmetics:
- The ability to tailor formulas to your skin type and taste
- The surest way to avoid certain allergens
- The pride of having made a product with your own hands
- A hobby that allows you to spend quality time alone or with friends and family
- Financial savings
- The use of products and ingredients that are better for the planet.
In short, homemade cosmetics are not only good for you, they're also good for the planet and your wallet!
"I don't have the time"
We take the time! Just like cooking, making your own cosmetics inevitably takes more time than buying them ready-made. It should be a pleasure, not a chore. But making your own products means sorting out what's really good for your skin. In the end, it can even save you time, if you think about the time you'd spend slathering yourself with useless products.
It also means making cosmetics in larger quantities if they are easy to store, as is the case with powder blends or solid cosmetics. For others, you can extend their shelf life by using synthetic preservatives such as Cosgard. Of course, Cosgard is not natural, but it is one of the few preservatives approved by the organic cosmetics specifications. This means you don't have to reapply your face cream every month if you're worried about it.
Here are the average production and usage times for some cosmetics.
In terms of organisation, set aside half a day every three months in your diary to make your own small products. This could even be an opportunity to do something with your children or friends.
"It is not effective"
Homemade cosmetics are often much more concentrated in active ingredients than those on the market. For example, emulsions such as face creams contain a high proportion of active floral waters, whereas industrial creams are 'bathed' in neutral water. When you make your own cosmetics, you can dose the ingredients as you wish. You can choose the optimum dosage, i.e. the best concentration for effective action. Last but not least, don't forget that chemistry hasn't invented everything - nature is full of treasures just waiting to be rediscovered. Our grandmothers already knew this, and their skin proved them right!
"Hello smell!"
Essential oils offer original fragrances that are close to the real smell of plants. Although these scents may surprise you at first, it's really just a matter of getting used to them. Gradually, you'll be able to get away from synthetic fragrances and appreciate these natural scents. Learn to use essential oils by smelling them regularly. As you do, you'll pick up their scent and be able to combine them with ease. Citrus essences are often very popular. There are spicy, floral, fruity, fresh and woody scents to choose from, depending on your preferences and what they make you feel.
"I have two left hands"
That's really not a valid excuse. Homemade cosmetics are within everyone's reach, as long as you have a minimum of rigour. You just have to be careful with the doses and remember to prepare them on the stove. Apart from these two aspects, it's not very complicated, as the recipes in this application will show you.
To get started, I suggest you start with simple mixtures such as lotions. Solid cosmetics are also a good place to start; you're unlikely to mess up your preparation.
Later you can move on to emulsions and make-up products, which require a bit more technique.
"It costs too much"
It's true that making cosmetics requires a bit of equipment and some specific ingredients. However, the cost of a product is still very low given the quantities produced.
Here are the approximate costs of some products (including the purchase of the empty container):
Also remember that the same ingredient can be used to make several recipes. Don't invest in a myriad of active ingredients or base products, start with what you have and choose your recipes accordingly. Minimalist cosmetics encourage you to reduce your consumption and innovate by doing a lot with very little. That's saving money!