Author: Bags and Clutches

The Ultimate In Organic Makeup

 

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By now we all know about the importance of growing and eating organic foods in order to maximize the health of both our bodies and the planet. But living organic isn’t only about what we eat. There are so many other ways that toxins can sneak into our bodies through other products we use – like makeup! Think for a moment about how much lipstick you might accidentally be ingesting in the course of a day, or how many toxins and harmful chemicals are being absorbed through your pores from your foundation. Despite the harsh ingredients in many mainstream beauty products, there is no need to worry! There are now tons of fantastic organic makeup brands out there on the market, so you can put your best face forward with confidence. Here’s our list of the ultimate in organic makeup.

Bite Beauty

 

Bite Beauty makes high quality lip products that you would never guess are organic! Choose from a range of lipsticks, lip crayons, glosses, masks, primers, and scrubs to both nourish and beautify your smile. You might have already been using one of Bite’s organic products without realizing it if you picked up your free Sephora Birthday Gift in 2018, which featured two of their lipsticks.

Kjaer Weis

 

Kjaer Weis makes a range of products for the face, cheeks, eyes, lips, and skin that are both organic and sustainable. All their packaging is refillable which means it’s both environmentally-friendly and more cost-effective for you! Some of this brand’s bestselling and award-winning products include the Glow Highlighter, the Facial Oil, and the Cream Foundation.

Ilia Beauty

Ilia Beauty is known for creating products with beautiful pigmentation from organic ingredients. Low-maintenance ladies will love their compact multi-use products and essential pallets that can be thrown in your handbag and put to multiple uses while you’re on the go. All their products are also both cruelty-free and gluten-free.

Juice Beauty

 

Juice Beauty is a great one-stop-shop for both organic makeup and organic skincare. If you’re concerned about the presence of any particular ingredients in your beauty products, you can check out their full list of unacceptable ingredients on their website. Some of their many award-winning products include the Stem Cellular CC Cream and the Hydrating Mist.

Vapour Organic Beauty

 

Vapour Organic Beauty operates its own UDSA Organic Lab so you can be sure that the manufacturers know exactly what is going into each and every product. Vapour want to be sure you “never choose between beauty and health” with a wide range of skincare and makeup products. If you’re hesitant to give up one of your popular mainstream faves, you can also check out the “Clean Swaps” page on their website to find out which of their products will best replace your less-healthy staples.

RMS Beauty

 

RMS Beauty products are packed full of organic and wildcrafted ingredients, all of which are gluten free, GMO free, and soy free. The people behind RMS Beauty believe in total transparency so you can review a list of all their ingredients online complete with detailed descriptions. All their packaging is also recyclable, biodegradable, or reusable. Check out RMS beauty for everything from makeup and skincare to nail polish and brushes.

 

W3LL People

 

W3LL People’s plant-based makeup products are made with organic and therapeutic botanicals including aloe, chamomile, and green tea. Bestsellers from this brand include the Optimist Lipstick and the Expressionist Liquid Eyeliner. If you’re a fan of the no-makeup natural look, you’ll love their Nudist Collection in particular. To try out their products without making a big financial commitment, check out W3LL People’s collection of minis.

If you’ve been thinking about switching to organic makeup, there has never been a better time. With so many great brands now available on the market, you are sure to find the products that are the perfect fit for you! Which of these brands are you most excited to try? Let us know in the comments!

What Does Social Responsibility Mean for Individuals

 

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Social responsibility is the ethical belief that one has a responsibility to act in such a way that benefits society as a whole. Whether you are a large organization or a single individual, the concept of social responsibility implies that we are all duty-bound to each other and to the world at large. In particular, social responsibility emphasizes a balance between the success of the economy and the welfare of society and the environment. Much of the discussion around social responsibility these days centers around corporate social responsibility, which has to do with the commitments made by big businesses toward environmental and social good. However, social responsibility isn’t just for corporations. Whether you’re a solopreneur, small-business owner, or a salaried employee, here’s what social responsibility means for individuals.

Going Green

 

Concern for the environment is a large component of social responsibility. While big corporations might have the power to invest in things like sustainable farming and renewable energy sources, there is still a lot that individuals can do to help the environment on a smaller scale. To start, try reducing your single-use plastic consumption in both your home and business. Whenever you can, choose green options when it comes to buying products like household cleaners, laundry detergent, appliances, and even lightbulbs. If you’re looking to take a bigger step, consider investing in carbon offsets to reduce your carbon footprint. If you’re a small-business owner, consult with your employees to figure out ways you can streamline your business in a more environmentally friendly way. This may include using less paper and plastic, adopting an aggressive recycling or composting policy, or setting up a carpool program for staff members.

 

Philanthropy

 

Many businesses turn to philanthropy and large-scale donations as part of their corporate social responsibility programs. While the word “philanthropy” is often associated with the very wealthy, there are lots of ways that individuals can participate as well. Find a local charity you support and sign up to volunteer a few times per month, or schedule a volunteering event with your staff if you’re a small-business owner. This could be as simple as starting an office fundraiser or registering your team for a charity walk to help raise money for a good cause. Of course, if you’re a solopreneur, you can also do all of the above on your own. Charities rely on consistent donors, so if you have a little extra money to spare, sign up to be a monthly donor. Even if you can only give $5 per month, every little bit helps.

 

Ethical Practices

 

For many businesses, adopting ethical practices means engaging in fair trade and supporting equitable working conditions, particularly oversees. For individuals, a good first step in adopting ethical practices is to support these businesses over ones that rely on underpaid labor or otherwise inhumane working conditions. To start, do some research into the brands and companies you support and, wherever possible, give your business to those that engage in ethical practices. This could mean only buying makeup and beauty products from vegan or cruelty-free brands, or it could mean only shopping at clothing stores with ethical manufacturing conditions. Buy local, shop at used clothing stores, and look for trusted labeled like “Fairtrade” and “Organic.” If you’re a small business owner, do your best to adopt ethical practices as your business grows; a great place to start is by offering an opt-in healthcare package for your employees. Even if your business is small, little changes like that can make a huge difference in the quality of life of your employees.

Social responsibility can feel overwhelming when you’re just one individual in a large and complex world. That being said, there are lots of little things we can all do to help create a better, healthier, and more ethical world. Start small by evaluating what little changes you can make in your everyday life and you’ll soon see what a difference the small things can make toward creating a better world for us all!

Super Foods – The Ultimate Guide For 2019

 

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By now you’re surely familiar with the idea of superfoods: healthy, natural whole foods that are jam-packed with nutrients and are full of health benefits. But with so many different superfoods out there and countless different sources touting their varied benefits, it can be hard to keep track of which ones are really the best for you. To help you out, we’ve put together to ultimate guide to some of this year’s most popular and beneficial superfoods. Read on to find out more!

Mushrooms

 

Not only are mushrooms cholesterol-free and low in fat, sugars, sodium, and calories, they are also great sources of protein, vitamin B, fiber, anti-oxidants, amino acids, and vitamin D. One particular anti-oxidant amino acid, called ergothioneine, cannot be made by humans and is found in nature mainly in fungi. So, the next time you order a pizza, consider adding some mushrooms to complement your pepperoni.

 

Ghee

 

Commonly used in Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine, ghee is a type of clarified butter. Ghee is full of healthy acids that promote gut health, decrease inflammation, and have been shown to reduce the risks of heart disease and cancer. In cooking, ghee can be used as a substitution for butter and cooking oils. It’s great for frying due to its high smoke point and is a good alternative for those who are lactose intolerant as the milk solids are removed during clarification. You can also use it as a natural moisturizer for your skin, lips, and nails.

 

Moringa

 

You might remember the benefits of moringa from one of our other recent blog posts, but in case you missed it, here’s a quick recap. Moringa leaves and pods are packed full of protein, vitamins, iron, riboflavin, and magnesium. Moringa leaves also have plenty of anti-oxidents that can help lower your blood pressure and balance blood sugar levels. Fresh moringa can be hard to find in North America, but supplements are readily available.

 

Elderflower

 

Elderflower is a great anti-viral that can help fight off cold and flu symptoms. Brew yourself a cup of elderflower tea if you’re starting to feel under the weather or, if tea isn’t your thing, look for jams and jellies made from the elderflower berry.

 

Baobab

 

Baobab fruit and seed powder are good sources of carbohydrates, potassium, calcium, fiber, phosphorus, and vitamin C. They are also anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory, and have been traditionally used to improve gut health and support the immune system. Native to Africa, Australia, and the Middle East, fresh baobab leaves and fruits can be hard to find elsewhere. If you’re living outside those regions, look for baobab powder that can be incorporated into smoothies, juices, and breakfast cereals.

 

Cassava

 

Cassava (also known as Yucca) is a root vegetable full of fiber and anti-oxidants. This superfood can reduce inflammation and lower blood pressure. It’s also great for your skin! You can cook cassava similarly to how you would prepare potatoes and yams, or keep an eye out for cassava flour. This is a great wheat substitute that is paleo friendly, gluten-free, and nut-free!

 

Avocado Oil

 

If you’ve been relying on olive oil for years, it might be time to make the switch to avocado oil. Unlike saturated and trans fats, avocado oil is full of healthy fatty acids with anti-inflammatory properties. It also contains chlorophyll which is an anti-oxidant. You can use avocado oil anywhere you would normally use olive oil, butter, or vegetable oils. In addition, its anti-oxidant components make it a great skin moisturizer full of anti-aging properties.

 

Hemp Seeds

Hemp seeds are full of fatty acids, protein, magnesium, zinc, and iron, and also include decent amounts of potassium, calcium, and phosphorus. These nutritional elements can help fight heart disease, cancer, and high cholesterol. Add a handful of these seeds to your salads and cereals or look for hemp protein powder for your smoothies.

Understanding the health and nutritional benefits of various foods is a great first step in figuring out how to build a healthy diet and incorporate superfoods into your regular meals. Which of these superfoods do you see yourself eating the most? Let us know in the comments!