With everyone staying inside and working from home, right now is the perfect time to focus on self-care! When it comes to self care these days, the idea of vegan beauty is becoming increasingly popular as generations find themselves to be more ethically concerned, as well as interested in the health and environmental benefits of a vegan lifestyle. A growing number of celebrities, such as the queen herself, Beyonce, and Jay-Z are champions of this idea as well.
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Even if the full vegan lifestyle isn’t the way for you, using natural beauty products with plant-based ingredients can be great for your skin! Because vegan products are usually composed of fewer (and more natural ingredients), this is especially true for those whose skin may be more sensitive. We’ve found some of our favorite vegan beauty hacks to try from the comfort of your own home. Time for that stay-inside, work-from-home glow up!
FACE MASK:
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This face mask is not only soothing for your skin, but the added benefits of the bananas, oats, and cinnamon will also promote skin cell turnover as well as collagen production. This is a great way to get some Vitamin A as well, so make sure to keep these ingredients on deck!
- 1 banana
- ½ a cup of cooked oats
- ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon
- A squirt of lemon juice
- Mix all ingredients together and finish with a light squeeze of lemon juice.
- Apply the mixture to your entire face.
- Rest for 10 to 15 minutes while the mask does the hard work.
- Rinse with cool water and get ready to glow!
HAIR MASK:
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This DIY mask is perfect for hydration, leaving your hair magically soft and shiny! It’s use of agave nectar acts as a humectant to retain moisture, while the olive oil will provide vitamin A and E for keratin protection. Last but not least, avocado is loaded with fatty acids to increase moisture as well.
- 1 Avocado
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of agave
- ⅛ cup of coconut milk
- Combine all ingredients (with a blender or by hand)
- Apply the mixture generously to dry hair, from the roots all the way down to the tips
- Leave mixture on for 30 minutes (wrap up your hair if you want it out of the way)
- Wash out the mask with shampoo and conditioner as usual
- Let dry and reveal your shiny and soft new “do”!
TONER:
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Not only is toner essential to restore your skin’s PH balance, but it also minimizes pores and helps get rid of dead skin cells. That’s one beauty step you won’t want to skip! These simple ingredients are perfect to soothe, clean, and refresh your skin.
- Water
- 1 Lemon
- Green tea or any herbal tea you prefer
- Tea tree essential oil or any essential oil you prefer
- Apple cider vinegar
- Boil or microwave enough water for one cup of tea
- Add tea to water and let sit for 10 to 15 minutes
- Mix ¼ cup apple cider vinegar, ¼ cup of tea, and 1 tbsp of lemon juice (mix well)
- Pour into a container or spritz bottle
- Add 10 to 15 drops of essential oil into the mixture
- Apply toner after cleansing and before moisturizing, twice a day for the best results!
MOISTURIZER:
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Natural moisturizers are a great way to nourish the skin and even reduce stretch marks. This homemade moisturizer uses high quality oils to promote healing and skin elasticity. Time to say bye bye to dry skin!
- 3 tbsp coconut oil
- 2 tbsp almond oil
- 5 tbsp shea butter
- 1 tsp jojoba oil
- 10 drops lemon oil
- 5 drops ylang ylang oil
- Place all ingredients in a mixing bowl
- Mix the ingredients (use a cream beater to maximize results)
- Place the resulting fluffy mixture in another container for proper storage
- Apply mixture daily for soft and luxurious skin!
(Image source: Giphy)
MAKE-UP REMOVER:
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Removing your makeup at night may seem like a nuisance at the time, but it is essential to prevent extensive skin damage. Makeup removal allows your skin to breathe and avoid fatigue, as our skin renews itself while we sleep. It may be a hassle ladies, but it’s important. Keep this one in mind for a good night's rest and a fresh, clean start the next day!
- 3 tbsp witch hazel
- 2 tbsp jojoba oil (Alternative oils: olive oil or fractionated coconut oil)
- Mix both ingredients into a small storage container
- Shake container well
- Apply mixture with a Q-tip, cotton ball, or facial pad to remove make-up and residue from the day
CONCLUSION
We’re all stuck at home, so now is the best time to focus on taking care of yourself and trying new things! Here at ForChics, we want everyone to feel and look their best, and using natural ingredients for self-care is a great way to feel your best inside and out. Not to mention the amazing ethical and environmental benefits of vegan beauty as well! Whether a vegan lifestyle is right for you or not, doing what’s best for your skin with natural products is always the right choice.
