Wanted - 100% natural skincare/haircare products

[rachelandgromit]

Hi

I want to change my whole skin/haircare routine to something 100% natural that doesn't cost the earth. I thought Lush were natural but they have nasty SLS in them para-things and the Body Shop is the same. I want something that when I look at the label I know what it is.

I don't want to pay the earth though. I'm using Simple face wipes at the moment and moisturiser. I'm now 26 :eek: though and I think now is the time to make some changes.

Shampoo/Conditioner - Whatever is on offer from Tesco on bogof!

Can anyone recommend a good company that offers reasonable priced products.

Thanks

[slinks]

SODIUM LAURYL SULPHATE "is a shampoo base that is derived from coconut and palm kernel oils; it foams and thoroughly cleanses, perfect for shampoos..."

It's an irritant to some people in the same kinda way that almonds are an irritant to some people or cotton is....

It's still a product produced using natural stuff and safe synthetics which is what Lush advocate ;)

Even the American Cancer Society agree that SLS isn't carcogenic...

Definitely worth using Lush instead of 'anything on BOGOF at Tesco'!!!!! :eek:

[rachelandgromit]

From everything I've read, I thought SLS was quite bad, I have sensitive skin and scalp too so I thought avoiding SLS would be good. Perhaps I'll stick with Lush then, it' just when I read the ingredients, it doesn't appear very 'natural'.

[bigpaws23]

PureNuffStuff is reasonably priced without the nasties.
I don't personally use SLS or SLES, despite many of the 'safe' claims out there.

If you want to go really frugal then you could make your own products. neals yard do a good book and there are books available from the library to help you.

For cleaning my face I mix up plain yogurt and oats! Ok, it's messy, but it costs a few pence and I know it is natural and safe (organic too!) and there is no waste - whatever is left over I eat with breakfast :D

For moisturiser just a drop or two of jojoba or rosehip oil is excellent. They might be a bit to buy, but using literally a couple of drops means it lasts for ever and a day.
i think we are lured into thinking we need exotic, complex products in expensive packaging when some simple things from our kitchen cupboards can suffice.

Many fruits can make wonderful facial masks - that amazing ingredient AHA that appeared in a flury of excitement a few years ago is bascially fruit acid - using things like mashed avocado or strawberries can be lovely; combined with things like honey or get a pack of white clay to use as a base.
it's great fun and when you get into it, isn't that time consuming.

e.g. 1 egg yolk
2 tsp almond oil
1 ripe banana, mashed
for a dry skin pack

or
2 tbsp oats or oatmeal, ground into a fine paste
3 large, ripe strawberries, mashed
1 tsp single cream

for a gently exfoliating mask

Faith in Nature is also okish - not one of my personal favourites but I know plenty of people who like their products.

Just experiment and have fun

Bigpaws x

[Bagpuss741]

How about: http://shop.nealsyardremedies.com/index.html?action=252

[Bagpuss741]

Also try this: www.lizearle.com

[Violetta]

Not sure if it's the sort of thing you are after but we use Halos & Horns stuff for our daughter and it doesn't have SLS or Parabens have a look at their website http://www.halogb.co.uk/1.About%20us/index.html# sorry on ancient PC and not set up to link's properly. It is a kid's range but I use the shampoo (£1.50 in Asda at the mo) myself and it's great. HTH

[poe.tuesday]

I don't use any products with SLS and have not for years, there are a variety of reasons but the main one is that it builds up on the scalp which brushing illimates but as I have dreads my scalp nor hair has not seen a brush or comb for many years now so using a product which contain SLS is a no-go for me, I do wash my hair and scalp and use knottyboy bar soap, they say it's people with dreads but it makes no difference, it's just a bar of shampoo soap with no SLS

I also use the halo and horns for my children

as for facial cleaners, don't use them, hot water and a rough scrub with a flannel does the trick for me and if my skin does get a bit dry then I use vasiline but I am very lucky, I don't have senistive skin and could rub it with a billo pad adn ti would be ok about it

[cinnamint]

Some of Liz Earle products contain parabens so watch out for those!

[IamBroke]

I know you are taking about skincare but I only use mineral make up. It means that as well as not getting any sort of allergy, I have also not seen a spot in ages. I used to get spots around that time of the month but not anymore!

[GlasgowGal]

Check out www.essentially-yours, they sent me a couple of samples and I have started using some of their stuff. Other sights to look at are

http://www.akamuti.co.uk/index.htm
www.greenpeople.co.uk
www.pureskincare.co.uk.

I have not tried anything from them yet so cannot comment. Boots do a range of shampoo/cond and also a bathing range called Naked which is 98% natural. The shampp/cond was on 2 for 1 so at £3.99 for both I thought that was great value.

[bigpaws23]

I know you are taking about skincare but I only use mineral make up.

which company have you found to be best for this please?
I looked into it, but wasn't sure which one to try.

bigpaws x

[IamBroke]

which company have you found to be best for this please?
I looked into it, but wasn't sure which one to try.

bigpaws x

Hi there

I have tried quite a few makes...only a few are worth considering.

Bare Escentuals - an American make - available in a few online stores and QVC. I think the products are overlypriced personally and you can achieve a better look sticking with uk brands. Depends on the look you want, but they leave a shimmery look on your skin, which I wasnt too fond of especially as I wanted to wear mine to work etc.

Have tried a few other American makes but nothing worth getting.

The make I stick to and think is by far the best, is a small UK company called Lily Lolo. (lilylolo.co.uk). The foundations and finishing powders are amazing and better still you can get samples for only 99p. These last along time, and if you order a few shades you can find your match before getting the bigger pots. The customer service is excellent, I have never waited longer than 2 hours for an email response and they are always willing to help with any matter.

Once you go mineral you will never go back!!

Oh I also heard that Loreal are releasing a mineral powder but I havent tried it. HTH X

[Justie]

Aveda is SLS free and use organic where possible - if you buy the litre bottles from somewhere like lookfantastic then it's about £20 and it lasts 2 of us with daily washing at least 9 months sometimes longer so is very good value for money despite being a luxury brand.

[rachelandgromit]

I have bitten the bullet and ordered a few products from Pure Nuff Stuff, they seem to have the least ingredients in them and all stuff I could understand too, mid price range and were good when I emailed them with a few questions. Don't know if anyone has had any experience of these, but I will see when the products come what they are like.

On their website there is some mineral make-up, but didn't order any of these so don't know what this is like.

Rachel x

[mollymauk]

Hi,

I agree that Lily Lolo is good, but I would really recommend "everyday minerals" (just google that for the website). It's an american company but they do free samples and postage is cheap.

It's the best quality mineral stuff I've ever used, great colours too.

It's worth going on the "make up alley" website, sign up and read the reviews of cosmetics. loads of good tips there too!

The best one I got from there is to use soluble aspirin to make a face mask. Best thing that's ever happened to my combo skin! just dissolve 5 aspirin in a drop or two of water, and then apply to face for 30 mins! add honey or olive oil if you need more moisture. Fantastic stuff, even on my sensitive skin!

[Cat72]

I too vote for lilly lou.They are very quick and there samples last for ages. You can also pay by paypal. I also used everyday minerals in america and although they do a good sampling service I found a lot of their colours didtn suit me, In fact I have a lot of samples from lilliy lou & everyday that you are welocme too if you let me know your colouring .Here (http://www.lilylolo.co.uk/lily-all.php) is a link to lilly lou and everyday minerals (http://www.everydayminerals.com/g?t=kits) .If you look at their foundation colour ranges and pm me any colours you are intereasted in I will see if I have them. Ont hing about mineral foundation is that it can sometimes irritate skin ( i have found applying with a flock sponge stops this ) and it doesnt suit everyone. Although the eyeshadows & blushers are fine for mostily everyone.
You can use a lot of natural products for yourself .I now use coconut oil for my hair and its brilliant ( you can buy it from health fiid shops or indian food stores for a few pounds ) it also is a great moisturiser ( for body 7 face ). Almond oil is a great face / make up cleanser ( for eyes too ) and i now use rose toner as well. Rose oil is brilliant for anti aging & scars.All these products are available at health food shops at a fraction of the cost of big company prices.
Try this web site (http://www.imperfectlynatural.com/)for natural products and I would HIGHILY recomend Janey lee graces imperfect natural women book its brilliant, tons of hints & tips for real imperfect everyday women- its one of my favourite books.

[bigpaws23]

I have a lot of samples from lilliy lou & everyday that you are welocme too if you let me know your colouring

Hi :)
I don't use foundation, but I am interested in colours for eyes and cheeks if you have any samples of those. Here comes the embarassing part - I don't even know what colours suit me LOL!
I'm guessing pale browny colours :rolleyes:
I have pale skin, blue eyes and dark chestnuty hair.
I'd want something to accentuate the blue of my eyes, ideally.

I never wear makeup, but I have a couple of 'functions' this year where I think I could benefit from it, which is why I am looking into it.

Glad you have made a decision, Rachelandgromit - let us know how you get on with the products you have chosen.

bigpaws x

[IamBroke]

Hi :)
I don't use foundation, but I am interested in colours for eyes and cheeks if you have any samples of those. Here comes the embarassing part - I don't even know what colours suit me LOL!
I'm guessing pale browny colours :rolleyes:
I have pale skin, blue eyes and dark chestnuty hair.
I'd want something to accentuate the blue of my eyes, ideally.

I never wear makeup, but I have a couple of 'functions' this year where I think I could benefit from it, which is why I am looking into it.

Glad you have made a decision, Rachelandgromit - let us know how you get on with the products you have chosen.

bigpaws x


I have to agree with Cat72 about mineral make up. I also tried everyday mineral samples, and whilst they are good value I found the powder to not be a very good match. It looked slightly cakish on my skin and I thought it was really obvious I was wearing powder which I didnt want.

I think you probably need to try a few brands yourself maybe as everyones skin is different and different brands may suit you better.

I use the In The Buff shade of foundation on Lily Lolo and I think its a perfect match. However, in the summer I am going to use Popcorn. I have slight redness on my cheeks and mineral foundation covers it perfectly.

This article is quite useful: http://www.lilylolo.co.uk/lily-article.php?articleid=11.

As you are pale you would be looking at the top of the list on LL.
Then decide whether you have a neutral undertone, or slight pinkiness or yellow.
Thats what I did, however I have a pink undertone but go for a neutral shade as it covers it up. XX


EDIT: I just realised you dont use foundation, I must read properly in the future!! :rotfl: :rotfl:

The article may still be useful though!! sorry X

[kategregory]

Hi

i think Organic products are best espicialy for my sensitive skin
i buy all my products from the new web store which is affordable for me i can't afford exspensive products so this one is great it's
www.therighthealth.vstore.ca

[Cat72]

Hi :)
I don't use foundation, but I am interested in colours for eyes and cheeks if you have any samples of those. Here comes the embarassing part - I don't even know what colours suit me LOL!
I'm guessing pale browny colours :rolleyes:
I have pale skin, blue eyes and dark chestnuty hair.
I'd want something to accentuate the blue of my eyes, ideally.

Iam very very pale - almost translucent lol -and it tend to wear neutral light eye colours. I used to wear just browny/ taupey colours but then i found light pinks & rose colours look great too and warm up my face.If you apply the lighest shade on your lid and partily up your eye and then just a small touch of a darker shade in the socket is the best way.I use a light pink- almost white with a pink hue- and a darker rose colour in the eye socket .
The only eyeshadows I have are light pink from everyday minerals- this is really a very neutral colour witha slight warm pink hue.I also have Pink champagne- a darker highlight colour or maybe cheeky colour- and cream soda- a warm beige, these are both from lilly lou site. You are welcome to these to try- just pm me.
I Havent found a blusher yet that suits my pale skin so i continue to use my benefits dandllion which is so good for warming and subtely highlighting my skin i have probelems finding anything near it !
I also have loads of the concelears, red toning colours and foundations if anyone else wants them from everyday & lilly lou.Will try to post the clours later.

[bogblog]

I use all natural now. I get most of my stuff from herehttp://www.oliveorganic.com
I've had the mineral foundation by pure nuff from here and it's very good. doesn't clog your face up and no nasties.

[rachelandgromit]

Glad to report my Pure Nuff Stuff arrived today, hair cleanser, conditioner, face cream and cleanser. All smells fab and going to have nice bath now.

Will keep you posted!!!!!!!!!!!

[angel]

Hi


i think Organic products are best espicialy for my sensitive skin
i buy all my products from the new web store which is affordable for me i can't afford exspensive products so this one is great it's

www.therighthealth.vstore.ca (http://www.therighthealth.vstore.ca)


Is delivery from Canada as this is a Canadian site? Also there isn't an address or any company info on the website. It looks dodgy to me.

[Amarillo]

I use natural, mostly organic products and have found that you really do have to read the label carefully. I personally prefer cold pressed organic oils, I mix them and then sometimes add some essential oils. I prefer to do this as you don't then get all the emulsifiers and preservatives that you get in some of the natural brands like Liz Earle & Lavera. My current favourites are organic Rosehip, Jojoba & pomegranate. I use:

www.little-green-nursery.co.uk (excellent value Rosehip & Jojoba oil in particular that I found thanks to another thread on here).

http://www.nhr.kz/ one of the few places I have found organic pomegranate oil, though I gulped at the price.


Both have good customer services and help if you have any questions.

For shampoo I have switched to a solid shampoo bar instead of a liquid, I use a hemp & honey one from the little green nursery link above.

Deodrant - I use a crystal one from local health food shop.


For makeup I found an ebay seller whose products I think are very good value:

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Honest-Goddess_Honest-Goddess-Products_W0QQcolZ4QQdirZ1QQfsubZ1851454QQftidZ2QQt Zkm

[kategregory]

Is delivery from Canada as this is a Canadian site? Also there isn't an address or any company info on the website. It looks dodgy to me.

Hi there site is in the uk as it's postal stamp is a uk one....
Also i emailed them to ask if there was anyway they could tell people where they are based and they were very hellpful and said they were going to update there website with more information about them selfs.
I have checked back there since and yes i can confirm there is now an address and it's in nottinghamshire....
I have brought my organic products from here for a while and i have been more than happy with there products....

thanks for the reply by he way :rotfl:

[finallydebtfree!!]

naked products available form boots or their website www.nakedbodycare.co.uk are 97% natural (ok so its not 100% but its close)

Their shampoo and conditioner states that it does not contain sls, I have tried it myself and loved the smell but unfortunately I was allergic to it

[angel]

Hi there site is in the uk as it's postal stamp is a uk one....
Also i emailed them to ask if there was anyway they could tell people where they are based and they were very hellpful and said they were going to update there website with more information about them selfs.
I have checked back there since and yes i can confirm there is now an address and it's in nottinghamshire....
I have brought my organic products from here for a while and i have been more than happy with there products....

thanks for the reply by he way :rotfl:

It still looks dodgy and unprofessional to me. The home page doesn't have the usual list of payment logos and security info that you see on proper shopping sites. Also the contact email address is a gmail one, very odd for a company.

At the bottom of the page it says "2519 requests since Thursday 29 March, 2007 " what's that all about?

I wouldn't buy from there, it just feels wrong.

[Emva2007]

Hi I came across a website www.shea-butter.co.uk (http://www.shea-butter.co.uk) who actually sell 100% natural and organic ingredients. You can actually buy raw butters and make your own mixes with essential oil. You can buy samples there.