Girls are
wearing makeup at a younger age than ever before, but an onslaught of new
organic beauty brands started by teens and tweens goes to show that not all are finding what they want on store shelves. So, they’re doing what enterprising Gen Ys do when they can’t find what they want—they’re making their own. With the help of kits, tools and blogs, an MIY natural beauty movement is cooking in kitchens everywhere.
Herban Crafts: Herban Crafts sells kits that contain everything needed to blend custom luxury beauty products that are free of artificial fragrances, dyes and preservatives. Taking the guesswork out of how to make all-natural skin care remedies, the set includes recipes for organic bath and body potions, as well as all of the necessary ingredients. Its packaging—a reusable, recyclable cardboard tote—looks similar to a
kid’s chemistry set, but the resultant products aren't child’s play. Even better, the partially
crowdfunded company provides employment opportunities to women living in transitional housing, giving its consumers more than one way to feel good.
Naturalis: A collaboration between Parisian industrial design firm
Eliumstudio and German appliance company
Rowenta, the
Naturalis lets users make beauty products right at home, using all-natural, easily-accessible ingredients. Emulsion technology, which has been
in the headlines a lot lately, is implemented to turn out creams, balms and other skincare products that one can apply without harming skin with toxic ingredients. A “recipe” book is included, but the device can also emulsify any ingredients chosen by the user. After mixing is done, all it takes is a little water and soap for the cleaning cycle to work its
magic.
No More Dirty Looks: Two friends began researching the contents of their beauty products after discovering that their favorite ones contained formaldehyde—an ingredient which
Johnson & Johnson recently vowed to remove from its entire line. They subsequently started the No More Dirty Looks
blog to chronicle their search for beauty products that didn’t contain ugly ingredients, which ultimately expanded into a
book, and an entire movement, about putting as much thought into what goes on your body as what goes in it. In addition to educating readers about the harmful ingredients found in popular cosmetics brands, they provide
recipes for natural alternatives that can be made at home.
