Natural cosmetics give beauty routine a boost
by Amy Melser
Arts | 2/2/10
Posted online at 8:46 PM EST on 2/1/10
When people think about being healthy, the first thing that comes to mind is usually diet. Whatever you put into your body can be reflected on the outside of your body. However, the skin and hair absorb lotions and conditioners, so why not make them as healthy as possible? Right around the corner from Brandeis is a pharmacy called Johnson Compounding and Wellness Center, located at 577 Main St., where you can find an array of natural and organic health and beauty products. I wanted to put a couple to the test to see if they work as well as the products mass produced by pharmaceutical companies that you can buy at the typical Walgreens or CVS and if I noticed an improvement in my complexion or hair.
The first product I tried was Nature's Gate Hemp Moisturizing Lotion for dry, dehydrated skin. With the cold weather not letting up, my hands especially have been really dry. This paraben- and colorant-free lotion surprised me with a subtle but pleasant cinnamon scent. Hemp seed oil is high in essential fatty acids to help keep the skin hydrated. While the lotion was light and absorbed quickly, I had to keep reapplying in order for my hands to stay supple throughout the harsh days of winter. However, when applied to my legs and arms, the shea butter, milk thistle and kukui nut oil left my skin soft and smelling faintly delicious. For $9.50, I think this 18 oz. bottle was a little disappointing, but fun to try compared to the typical Nivea or Cetaphil. Also, it is worth noting that the lotion was produced without animal testing and with no animal byproducts.
The next product I tried was the Grime Bar, which is an all-natural, hard-milled bar of soap. It reminded me of the "soap on a rope" my brother used to use back in the '90s. It definitely has a rugged, manly feel to it, but the scent is very unisex, and I didn't come out of the shower reeking of Axe. The Grime Bar claims it is the "ultimate soap for easing irritated skin," and it's supposed to take away "grime, grease, and grit." Since I spend most of my time in the classroom as opposed to underneath a car or at a campsite, I wasn't sure if I could accurately judge how well the Grime Bar worked. So, I smudged eyeliner on my hand and then washed my hands with the Grime Bar. It came off quite easily, and I contemplated using it to remove eye makeup (but I'll stick with Clinique for that). The bar of soap is $4.50, and I think it's a good buy because it will probably last a long time. Coming from a girl who loves liquid body wash, I felt surprisingly fresh and clean after using this bar soap. Moreover, it was nondrying and nonirritating, just as it claims. It also comes with a resealable bag, so in case I ever do go camping, I can tote my Grime Bar with me.
The first product I tried was Nature's Gate Hemp Moisturizing Lotion for dry, dehydrated skin. With the cold weather not letting up, my hands especially have been really dry. This paraben- and colorant-free lotion surprised me with a subtle but pleasant cinnamon scent. Hemp seed oil is high in essential fatty acids to help keep the skin hydrated. While the lotion was light and absorbed quickly, I had to keep reapplying in order for my hands to stay supple throughout the harsh days of winter. However, when applied to my legs and arms, the shea butter, milk thistle and kukui nut oil left my skin soft and smelling faintly delicious. For $9.50, I think this 18 oz. bottle was a little disappointing, but fun to try compared to the typical Nivea or Cetaphil. Also, it is worth noting that the lotion was produced without animal testing and with no animal byproducts.
The next product I tried was the Grime Bar, which is an all-natural, hard-milled bar of soap. It reminded me of the "soap on a rope" my brother used to use back in the '90s. It definitely has a rugged, manly feel to it, but the scent is very unisex, and I didn't come out of the shower reeking of Axe. The Grime Bar claims it is the "ultimate soap for easing irritated skin," and it's supposed to take away "grime, grease, and grit." Since I spend most of my time in the classroom as opposed to underneath a car or at a campsite, I wasn't sure if I could accurately judge how well the Grime Bar worked. So, I smudged eyeliner on my hand and then washed my hands with the Grime Bar. It came off quite easily, and I contemplated using it to remove eye makeup (but I'll stick with Clinique for that). The bar of soap is $4.50, and I think it's a good buy because it will probably last a long time. Coming from a girl who loves liquid body wash, I felt surprisingly fresh and clean after using this bar soap. Moreover, it was nondrying and nonirritating, just as it claims. It also comes with a resealable bag, so in case I ever do go camping, I can tote my Grime Bar with me.
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