Cosmetics date back to the earliest civilizations – first associated with hunting, fishing, fighting, and superstition, and later with medicine and of course, beauty. With cosmetics in such high demand with little to no ingredient regulation, it is easy for companies to get away with selling chemical-filled beauty products. Because the use of these harmful chemicals is starting to affect sensitive skin and the environment, demand for herbal cosmetics all over the world is growing. If herbs were used as cosmetics in ancient civilizations, why not continue to use them to beautify the skin today?

The skin is the body’s largest organ, responsible for keeping out harmful invaders and protecting the rest of the body. However, the skin can only do its job when it is healthy and when we are taking proper care of it, a big part of which involves controlling the chemicals and other ingredients we put on it every day. Most name brand cosmetics contain ingredients that wear our skin down; clogging pores, taking away natural oils, and speeding up signs of aging. We are surrounded by a vast amount of natural resources that work just as well as products manufactured in a lab, so it only makes sense to take advantage of what the earth is providing to us!

The use of natural cosmetics means that we don’t have to worry about harming the environment – the products come from the earth and return to the earth when we are finished with them! This also gives us greater control over what is on (and in) our bodies: no more worrying about harmful chemicals or artificial dyes that can cause skin problems later in life.

Natural Cosmetics:

Witch Hazel: This has long been used as an anti-inflammatory, but it is also an astringent. Using the water created by distilling witch hazel on the face can tone up the muscles, especially around the eyes, for a more youthful look.

Calendula: Every part of this herb is used in creating cosmetic products such as soothing lotion, healing ointments, and skin softening balms. It contains healing properties that help skin recover from burns, spots, and blemishes.

Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is the safest oil to use in cosmetic products because it has the lowest acidic reaction. It is used as a skin protector in hot, dry climates, and can help to even out skin tone.

Avocado: Avocados are full of Vitamin D, known as the sun-ray vitamin, that nourishes the skin and restores a youthful, vibrant glow. This oil has the capability to penetrate through the dermis and epidermis, healing skin from the inside out. Avocado is a very good ingredient to use for people who don’t have much exposure to the sun (we’re looking at you, Pacific Northwesters!)

Henna: Did you know henna is an herb? It has been used for centuries to dye hair and skin naturally, and has curative properties that makes hair look shiny and healthy.

Strawberry Plants: This herb can be used to create a paste that whitens teeth naturally!

Mica: This shiny, pearlescent mineral is used as a pigment in most mineral makeups. It is completely natural, and you can make virtually any color by combining various shades!

Here at Gifts From The Earth, we use purely 4-6 natural ingredients per product! Everything you purchase from us comes directly from the earth. This includes our natural makeup line, all of which is made up of a variety of mica! We hope you enjoy what the earth has given us and use these gifts to feel like the beautiful person you are!