The Story of Beauty – Justice. Mercy. Beauty.

5 Ways To Eliminate Plastic From Your Beauty Routine

We talked a bit about plastic waste last week. We can conclude that overuse of plastic is a serious issue- it’s affecting human lives, and it disproportionately affects minority people living in underdeveloped nations. If we claim to value justice, equality, and human life, then we need to care about plastic waste. There isn’t room for negotiation.

Of course, for anyone living in a plastic-dependent culture, plastic has become so “normal” to us that we can’t always imagine a realistic solution to the crisis. The good news is, more and more options for sustainable living are becoming available! Your beauty routine can be a great place to get started because, unlike groceries, medical supplies, or essential clothing items, beauty supplies are something you can buy more gradually and take time to research.

Here are five simple ways to get started and eliminate plastic from your beauty routine:

Check for companies that are partners with TerraCycle. For many beauty products, packaged foods and beverages, or healthcare supplies (including some PPE!), it’s just a matter of boxing it up and either mailing it to TerraCycle or dropping it off at one of their sites.

2. Beauty Products in Bar Form. Bar soap is an easy way to eliminate a single-use plastic bottle (as long as it isn’t packaged in plastic!), and many other hygiene products are available in bars rather than plastic-bottled liquid. Some of my faves:

Ethique includes bar shampoos, conditioners, and skincare. They also have lines of pet care and even home cleaning products. Some are meant to be used directly in bar form; others dissolve into liquid when added to water (in a reusable jar or bottle). Ethique is also 100% direct trade, cruelty-free and vegan, so you can rest assured that your purchase is supporting both people and the planet.
Lush is known for their bar products that are “sliced” for you in the store (imagine an elegant spa meets a French cheese shop, if you will!). They also have products in individual bars of shampoo, conditioner, soap, and lotion. I’ve always found Lush employees to be very knowledgeable of their products and happy to help you find the best fit for your skin and hair. Lush is also committed to fair-trade and cruelty-free products.
UnwrappedLife carries several collections of bar shampoos, conditioners, and soaps for various skin and hair needs. They are vegan and cruelty-free, but I couldn’t find anything about being fair-trade or direct-trade on their website.

3. Switch to reusable pads and wipes. Facial pads for toner or eye makeup remover, or cleansing facial wipes might not be made of plastic, but they often come packaged in single-use plastic. A one-time investment in reusable facial pads like these from Marley’s Monsters, or reusable makeup removal cloths like these from Norwex* can really save on plastic packaging over time. Plus, they eliminate chemicals in cheap makeup remover or pre-moistened toner pads that can really mess with your skin.

4. Use sugar/salt based exfoliating scrubs. It’s becoming more and more widely known that scrubs made from ground fruit pits (*cough cough St. Ives cough*) and other ground substances are actually terrible for your skin- I guess dragging hundreds of tiny, sharp, jagged edges over your skin doesn’t do much to improve your complexion! Scrubs with tiny, rounded plastic beads have become a popular alternative, but the plastic doesn’t just disappear when you rinse it down the drain! Some countries have banned plastic microbeads all together because they are easily mistaken for food by fish, which affects the entire underwater ecosystem AND the food chain.

A sugar/salt based scrub can be a great alternative because the individual grains aren’t hard enough to scratch your skin, and they dissolve once they go down the drain. Some people make their own scrubs, but this can be tricky because they don’t always have a long shelf-life (you don’t want your “scrub” already-dissolved in the jar or bottle!), and many ingredients touted as “safe” on pinterest are perfectly safe to eat or use for other purposes, but can be really tough on your skin! My personal favorite is Rodan&Fields Microdermabrasion Paste*; it is formulated by dermatologists and the jar is recyclable through TerraCycle. It’s been my saving grace in treating my keratosis pilaris (aka chicken skin!).

5. Look for makeup brands with sustainable packaging. Most makeup comes with some form of plastic, but more brands are moving towards sustainable forms of packaging. A few of my faves:

BeautyCounter* has several products that come packaged in cardboard or glass. Check with a consultant to find specific products in recyclable, waste-free packaging. They are also committed to ethically sourced ingredients!
RiverOrganics uses recycleable cardboard in all their packaging. They also use sustainable, plant-oil based ingredients that are ethically sourced.
Crunchi Cosmetics* has several makeup items that come in glass or paper-based packaging for easy recycling. They are vegan, cruelty-free, and ethically sourced.

No one promises that living sustainably or making ethical consumer choices will be convenient, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Small steps to change your beauty regimen can make a difference for the entire world!

*These links lead to direct sales businesses run by myself (Rodan&Fields) or members of my community. If you purchase through these links, it is no difference in cost to you, but we receive a small commission. If you have a friend or family member who owns a business through one of these companies, I encourage you to connect with them before making any purchases!

More than “Mother Nature”: Why you need to care about plastic waste if you value human life

All of us have seen a picture of a jellyfish-looking plastic bag floating in front of a sea-turtle, or of the “Great Pacific Garbage Patch” floating between California and Hawaii. Maybe these images make you roll your eyes, or maybe they momentarily strike you with sadness…but, unless you absolutely adore sea turtles, they are easy to forget.

 I lived most of my teen and early adult life in the cycle of being saddened by these pictures, and then quickly forgetting as I placed my latest Target purchases in a plastic bag. Over the years, traveling to island nations were some of my most eye-opening experiences. 

The house where I stayed on the Island of Azucar in 2006 in the San Blas Islands off the coast of Panama

In an indigenous island nation in the middle of the Caribbean sea, it was easy to see the effects of plastic and other waste piling up along the shoreline. In touristy parts of Hawaii and the Bahamas, modern sanitation made it less visible, but the effects of plastic washing in from the ocean could still be seen. Living in the landlocked Midwest, ocean plastic waste might not be in the front of our minds, but that doesn’t make it less real.

 My hardest wake-up call, though, came from a simple children’s book. I had purchased it for my classroom when I taught 6th grade, but even as an adult, it hit me right in the feels: One Plastic Bag by Miranda Paul.

 Plastic waste does more than destroy natural beauty and harm wildlife (keep in mind that it is estimated that 91% of plastic is not recycled, even if it is initially put in a recycling bin). For the 97% of the world’s population living in under-developed or “third world” nations, plastic waste can be deadly. That’s not to say that plastic waste can’t be deadly for the remaining three percent- our modern day garbage disposal systems might hide the ugliness of plastic waste, but it just delays the long-term consequences. People living in under-developed or indigenous villages are just the first to see what comes from excessive plastic waste: 

The spread of disease
Piles of plastic collect water from rain or nearby bodies of water. Because this water is stagnant, it is a breeding ground for bacteria, and for mosquitos and other pests that might spread diseases such as malaria. Anti-bacterial and anti-viral cleaning supplies are rarely readily available. According to UNICEF, over 1 million people die from Malaria each year, with the majority being children under five years old.

The Loss of Domestic and Wild Animals
Sea turtles may be the poster animal for death by plastic waste, but wildlife and domesticated animals are all at risk (if you have a cat, you know how hard it can be to keep them from chewing plastic!). For a farmer in the United States, a lost animal can mean an insurance claim and a pretty big financial hit to their farm. For people living in indigenous or rural villages in other parts of the world, a dead animal can mean the loss of their livelihood and food source. A drop in a wild animal’s population can also mean the loss of a hunted food source, or a serious blow to the ecosystem that people depend on for their way of life.

Exposure to Toxic Fumes
Without space or tools to dispose of plastic, burning it becomes a common practice in many parts of the world. Throwing one bag into a bonfire might not seem like a big deal, but when burning large quantities is a regular practice, repeated exposure to the causes increased risk of heart disease and respiratory infections such as asthma or emphysema, and damage to the nervous system. Remember, the nations affected are often ones where modern medical care is limited if available at all, and these diseases can all be life-threatening even under the care of the best doctors and hospitals.

 Strangled Vegetation
If you’ve ever had one plastic bag blow into your garden or flower bed, you’ve seen the damage it can cause. Piles of plastic waste are destructive to both gardens and farmland, and to wild plants and trees. Again, this means the loss of food and destruction to the local ecosystem, and it also means destruction of raw materials that may be vital to the local economy and may play a major role in goods sold in the United States (if you have read all of this and don’t care yet- could the potential loss of your favorite shampoo or medicine get your attention?). Plastic waste is destructive to human life. If you call yourself Pro-Life (as I do), please stop and ask:  
Are you pro-lives of other nationalities and races?
Are you pro-lives in other cultures?
Are you pro-lives that speak a different language, and don’t use the same modern conveniences that you do?
Are you pro-lives that were born in completely different parts of the world than you?
Are you pro-life enough to be mildly inconvenienced by trying to avoid creating plastic waste, knowing that your inconvenience could save a village from suffering?

 Watch next week for part 2 with some tips on reducing plastic waste in your life and your beauty routine! If you need ideas to get started, check out trashisfortossers.com. 

Palm Oil: No Easy Solution to a Crisis

Palm oil has recently come to light on many levels in the media. Usually, the first thing we hear about is the environmental impact- images of burned rainforests and lifeless, charred bodies of orangutans point to the need for better sustainability within the palm oil industry. Less often talked about but even more urgent, though, is the issue of labor trafficking and horrific abuse towards workers in the palm oil industry.

This topic is a hard one to address for two reasons:

Palm oil is in 50% of our groceries and consumable products. Even if you have the time and money to buy and eat purely unprocessed foods and high-quality consumables, palm oil is hard to avoid.
The information readily available to everyday consumers is controversial. One group will claim that sustainable or ethically sourced palm oil is readily available from organizations x, y, or z. Another group will pipe up with reasons why group x, y, or z is actually unethical and may actually be more harmful to the environment and people. For people who just want to make ethical buying choices, trying to understand the palm oil industry can be discouraging to the point where people feel like giving up…but, the reality of the palm oil industry is too dark to be brushed aside.

The majority of the world’s supply of palm oil comes from Malaysia and Indonesia. When researchers took a deep dive into palm oil farms (this video is just one example), they found workers in unthinkable conditions, including:

•Workers being forced to work overtime in dangerous conditions, without extra pay or any sort of protection or compensation if they are injured while working.

•Sexual harassment and rape/assault of workers, with no legal support or protection if they try to report it.

•”Double-trafficking”- taking advantage of vulnerable refugees who are fleeing slavery and unjust imprisonment in nearby regions, promising them steady work on the palm oil farms, but then taking away their IDs or beating them if they try to leave or cannot meet demands.

•Workers being forced to bring their children to help them meet impossibly high work quotas- if they fail to meet the quotas, they may face financial or physical abuse from their employers. Small children are forced to help with dangerous, back-breaking labor. Because they cannot attend school while helping their parents, children who survive the terrible conditions into adulthood will likely have no choice other than continued enslavement on the palm oil farms, and they will eventually be forced to bring their children to help them, repeating the cycle of slavery and poverty.

Our initial response may be to cry out, “Boycott Palm Oil!”, but the effects of eliminating palm oil can be even more devastating than our global obsession with it. Palm oil is one of the most efficient oils to grow and harvest, and it has been used to replace dangerous trans-fats in many foods. Many alternatives to palm oil would create even more devastation in our environment, to public health, and to farmers who are trying to run ethical palm oil businesses (labor traffickers, however, would simply apply their cruel methods to a new form of business, and former trafficking victims would be without work, leaving them vulnerable to new forms of trafficking and exploitation).

As I mentioned above, it’s difficult to determine the most effective path to fighting labor trafficking and slavery within the palm oil industry. A simple internet search will point to The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil, a non-profit that unites stakeholders in specific standards for palm oil, including sustainable practices and ethical labor practices. However, you may have to dig deeper to find out if your favorite companies are using sustainable palm oil- just because a company is listed as a member does not mean they have met all their goals to be RSPO certified. Given what is available to consumers, though, seeking out RSPO certified products may be one of the best steps in the right direction that we can take.

Ultimately, be it palm oil or any other raw materials that have historical ties to slavery, our responsibility as consumers is the same: to do our research, be aware of new developments, and check our sources. It can feel like a hassle. It’s inconvenient. But, 40.3 million people are living in slavery and trafficking around the world. Inconvenience and hassle are a small price to pay for their freedom.

Vanity vs. Self Care

Vanity is different from Self-Care. Don’t dismiss self-care because it feels “vain,” and don’t excuse vanity by calling it “self-care.”

Even Jesus Himself allowed time for self-care and reflection so He could do His Father’s work.

“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” ‭‭Mark‬ ‭1:35‬ ‭NIV‬‬

We weren’t created to be adored by others, but we also weren’t created to run on fumes! Taking time for self-care can be incredibly humbling as we realize we can’t do it all and need time to refill ourselves physically, mentally, and spiritually. Give yourself grace!

10 Things That May Be Causing Your Acne

*This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through the links that are affiliate, I receive a small commission.

Acne and breakouts on your face are bad enough. When it appears on your shoulders, back, and chest, it can be embarrassing and incredibly painful. Good skincare products are vital to treating acne and any other skin condition (more on that later!), but there are internal and external factors that affect acne, too. If your acne is showing up all over your body and not just your face, your skin is probably reacting to a combination of internal and external irritants.

As an acne survivor myself, here are some things I needed to address to treat face and body acne:

10. Dirty Makeup Brushes: Makeup brushes (or beauty blenders, sponges, etc) rub against your skin and pick up dirt, bacteria and other gunk. If you leave your brushes sitting too long, they can become a germ-breading ground. This can turn into irritation and breakouts on your skin. Clean and disinfect your brushes as least once a month using a gentle soap- do it more often if you wear makeup daily, and do it every time you let someone else use your brushes.

9. Under-washed Towels and Pillowcases: You probably have a semi-regular routine for washing your towels and pillowcase, but, if your skin is breaking out, you might not be washing them frequently enough. A pillowcase should be washed once a week. Oil and sweat from your face seep into the pillowcase at night and can really gunk up your pores. Towels need to be washed at least every other week with hot water (throw in a little vinegar if they smell sour!). They collect lots of dead skin when you step out of the shower and towel off, and since they are damp for a while afterwards, that leaves plenty of time for bacteria to fester and be transferred back to your skin.

8. Old cosmetics and skincare: Whether it’s a stick that you apply directly to your skin, a pot or a bottle that makes contact with your fingers, or a compact that you dip a sponge or a brush into, lots of dirt and oil can be transferred into makeup or lotion and can slime it up over time. Even the highest quality makeup and skincare will eventually “expire,” too. If you haven’t used skincare or makeup within six months of opening it, it’s best to toss it. (This is also a good reason to ask if you really need that new item from the beauty aisle before you buy it- the stuff you have at home needs to be used!).

7. Laundry Detergent: This one can seem far-fetched, but the residue left on clothes, towels, and bedsheets can really irritate your skin and cause breakouts. My parents have tried to use Tide Sensitive, but even then my skin completely freaks out when I visit them and sleep in sheets that were washed in it. All of the detergents I have tried and found helpful come from direct sales companies (and all these links go to my friends who sell them) but a natural foods store might have a comparable brand in their household aisle.

Norwex– one bottle of this stuff lasted me almost two years (doing 2-3 loads of laundry a week) and it’s made with gentle, sustainable materials. This is what I currently use! (This link goes to my Norwex Consultant, Rachel.)

Amway SA8 Laundry Detergent (also available in powdered form). I first realized the difference that laundry detergent could make in my skin when I tried this one in college. (This link goes to my friends, Scott and Kelsey, who are Amway Business Owners.)

Ecosense by Melaleuca– this one is a bit trickier as you need a referral to buy it, but if you shout out into social media that you’re looking for a Melaleuca rep, you’ll be surprised at how many people respond. I used Ecosense for a few years and it made a huge difference from grocery-store brands.

6. Using a loofah: These things look pretty and sometimes even claim to be made out of natural materials. But, if you are breaking out on your chest and back, the bacteria and dirt that gather in a loofah might be (part of) the cause. Try switching out your loofah for an exfoliating bath sheet* that can hang flat and dry out entirely between showers. (I’m still using the same one I bought years ago; they hold up great!).

Loofahs can take several days to dry completely. Dark, humid showers and bathtubs are the perfect place for them to breed acne-causing bacteria.

5. Hormonal Imbalances: Many women experience a few (less than five) blemishes just before or during their monthly cycle. However, constant acne, especially if it is painful, cystic acne, or if it centers around the chin and jawline, may point to something deeper. Chances are that if you are a woman who is experiencing this, you are also experiencing other symptoms such as painful periods, prolonged PMS, hormonal headaches, etc. Give yourself some well-deserved self-care and talk to your doctor about your hormonal health. Birth control pills are a popular (and effective) method of treatment, but there are other options available, too.

4. Food Allergies: A dairy allergy is one of the most common causes of ongoing adult acne. Sometimes, acne is the only symptom (no stomach pain or nausea), so it can be hard to pinpoint. The good news is, many people find they can still occasionally enjoy ice cream or pizza and not suffer chronic acne. Try going a few weeks with zero dairy and see how much your skin improves.

3. Cheap and/or scented cosmetics: Cheap lotions, body washes, and makeup can be loaded with harsh chemicals that can irritate your skin (they are also often a source of unethical or unsustainable ingredients, such as mica or palm oil). Invest in some higher quality makeup, lotion, and body wash without fragrance. If you are on a really tight budget, ask your dermatologist about drugstore brands that might be easier on sensitive skin.

2. Showering in the wrong order: Shampoo and conditioner are made to clean and care for your hair and scalp, but the residue they leave behind can wreak havoc on the rest of your skin! When showering, always shampoo and condition your hair first (if you shave in the shower, do that while the conditioner sits in your hair) and then wash your skin and your face! If you like to leave conditioner or other products in your hair, tie your hair up or cover it with a shower cap before cleansing your skin.

Dry Skin: This sounds ironic, since it is supposed to be excessive oil that causes our breakouts! But, skin that is naturally dry and/or dried out from harsh products can break out due to irritation, or because oil glands are going into overdrive trying to moisturize your skin. Make sure to drink enough water to hydrate your skin from the inside, and add a high-quality moisturizer or hydrating serum. A moisturizer locks in your skin’s natural moisture; a hydrating serum creates chemical reservoirs on your skin to absorb water from the surrounding atmosphere and add hydration. My favorite is Rodan&Fields Active Hydration Serum*. It feels like silk on my face and doesn’t interfere with acne treatments! If you shop through this link, I will be your consultant and receive commission. If you have a friend or family member who is a Rodan&Fields consultant, I encourage you to shop with them!

All That Glitters: The Truth Behind the Sparkle In Your Makeup:

I’m a pageant girl. I love, love LOVE all things sparkly. My jewelry collection (formed on a Dave-Ramsey-following-teacher’s budget) has it’s share of silvery and earth-toned items, but my favorite things are always the ones with sparkly stones. And, at age 34, even some of my decor still includes sparkle and glitter. Hey, it’s my space! Why not?

Naturally, I’m drawn to makeup that involves some shimmer. I’m not talking about a fierce, glittery, going-out look – I’m referring to that little bit of shimmer that you see in eye shadow or highlighter, or in some lipglosses or body lotions. It’s fun and it’s fashionable…but it often comes at a cost to someone else.

Mica, the mineral that creates the sparkle in cosmetics

The mineral used to create this shimmery effect is called mica. It’s a shimmery mineral found in parts of Asia, Africa, and even in some areas of North and South America.Mica can be listed in cosmetics as “mica,” “potassium aluminium silicate” or “CI 77019”. It is usually not considered harmful (although some people can be sensitive or allergic to it), and it can be a vital part of local economies. While ethically sourced mica is available, it is estimated that 60% of mica used in the cosmetic industry comes from parts of south eastern Asia, where labor exploitation and child labor trafficking is rampant.

In this video, Refinery29 and journalist Lexy Lebsack venture into a village in India to observe children and families working in mica mines. Many of the children talk about longing to attend school, but it is not a financial option for them or their families. In heartbreaking moments, young children tell Lebsack about their peers who were killed when part of the mine collapsed. Just as they prepare to lower the camera into one of the ominous-looking mines, Lebsack and her team are forced to make a quick exit, as they are warned that “Someone is coming!” The people behind these mines know that their work is evil and corrupted, and they don’t want it being shown to the rest of the world. Lebsack goes on to explain that broken bones and other serious injuries, as well as respiratory issues are all too common among the children. Sadly, because of the low pay and long hours that prevent children from attending school, many of them are caught in a cycle of poverty that will continue for generations.

Lesback offers hope as she describes the Child Friendly Village Model that Human Rights groups strive to create. She also talks about Lush Cosmetics and their commitment to using synthetic mica in all their products. Other makeup brands that use ethically sourced mica or no mica at all include:

Crunchi: Crunchi is committed to cosmetics that are safe for the wearer, the environment, and ethically sourced. I bought a bronzer and a lipstick from them just recently and loved both- they go on with just enough color to “pop” but still look subtle, and they stayed on throughout the day. The bronzer actually doesn’t have any shimmer to it- which is good. In my foundation and contouring tutorial last month, I explained why bronzer should be matte! This link takes you to my friend, Tasha; if you shop here she will be your advocate and will receive a small commission.

Omiana: Omiana makeup is made with ethically sourced mica and cruelty free, mainly vegan raw materials. I bought an eye-shadow tri-color pallet from them and demonstrated it in an eyeshadow tutorial last month. The pigment is light, but that makes for an easier natural look!

Devinah Cosmetics: Devinah is an Indie makeup line that is great for bright colors and over-the top artistry. I haven’t been able to try their products yet but I’d love to hear from anyone who has! What I do know is that they are cruelty free and committed to ethically sourced products.

BeautyCounter: Some people might cringe at anything related to direct sales or multi-level marketing, but I’ve had overall positive interactions with their consultants. This link takes you to my friend, Angela, but if you have a friend or family who is a consultant I encourage you to buy from them. BeautyCounter is a certified B Corporation and they are committed to using safe, ethical ingredients in their cosmetics. This link takes you to my friend, Angela. If you shop through it, she will be your consultant and will receive a small comission.

Mica is a seemingly small ingredient that we can easily overlook- but for those trapped in the mines, it is a consuming cycle of poverty and modern-day slavery. Remember: as you shop for your cosmetics, your money is your voice!

10 Things I Think You Should Know About Me:

10. I am a high school ESL Teacher. I earned my M.Ed from the University of Minnesota and have taught six years. Being a teacher means grading papers and planning lessons late at night, arriving at school at 7am, and dealing with politics, but the kids are what keep me going!

9. I suffered from acne from the time I was 11 until I was 31. Not just a pimple here and there- painful, all-over, face and body acne. It was a long journey of trying different skincares and makeup routines, but it also took many years of experimenting with nutrition, medicine, and my surrounding environment to get it under control.

8. I am a shameless obsessed cat mom. I picked up my Russian Blue mix, Gabriella, at a no-kill shelter three years ago. Of course there were the initial few days of hiding under the bed and hissing every time I got near her, but she has been my snuggle-bug and my live-in therapist ever since.

7. I started competing in pageants when I was a senior in college and eventually held the title of Miss Wisconsin International in 2013. That’s been on pause until I pay off my student loans…and then we’ll see what happens.

6. I volunteered with an anti-trafficking ministry when Superbowl XXVI came to Minneapolis. Six months later, I moved into their building as a Residential Volunteer. My role was to be available to do life alongside survivors of human trafficking who came to live with us while they rebuilt their lives and sought healing, and to assist with street outreach and anti-trafficking trainings. My year of service ended, but it is still my mission to fight modern slavery, both in my city and around the world.

5. I traveled to Hawaii for Spring Break in 2018 with my teacher-bestie (because every teacher needs a teacher-bestie!). It was one of the most beautiful places I have ever been, and it reminded me of the importance of caring for the creation that declares the Glory of God.

4. I studied abroad in Mexico my junior year of college, spent a summer doing missions work in southern France, and served as a missionary teacher in Spain for a year. My absolute favorite place I’ve visited, though, was the San Blas Islands in Panama. I was baptized there in the Caribbean sea, after the pastors helped me translate my testimony into Spanish and Kuna.

3. One of my favorite symbols is a starfish. It reminds me that I cannot save everyone- in fact, I cannot “save” anyone. But, only by God’s grace, I might be able to make a difference for one.

2. I’ve run The Twin Cities Marathon and Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth. Maybe someday I’ll try a triathalon.

1.I have mentored a group of girls through my church youth group since they were in 6th grade, and they are graduating in 2021! In the summer of 2019, I accompanied them to our triennial LIFE conference in Orlando. A few of us walked through the Justice Experience with Agape International Missions, and I accompanied one to a seminar called “Awakening to Creation in Crisis” by Ben Lowe. These were the most impactful experiences of the entire week for me, and the truths that I took away from them are the drive behind this entire blog!