By Amy Yew, Vancouver Courier
For those interested in integrating organic products into their beauty routines, finding the right skincare or makeup can be a challenge.
Artist and holistic nutritionist Amanda Gangoso shares some of her insights.
Q: What is the difference between all-natural and organic when it comes to beauty products?
A: This can be confusing for people. The easiest way to explain is "natural" usually refers to products made from ingredients like plants, minerals, they can have algaes as well, synthetic ingredient free. The problem is, in this industry of health, wellness and beauty, "natural" is a word that can be used without regulation and put on anything for marketing purposes. The best thing to do is take a look at the ingredients list.
The word “organic” is much more regulated; it means ingredients or substances grown without chemicals, pesticides or fertilizers manufactured by humans and non-GMO. The USDA organic logo is one we often see, you can read labels and see what has been derived from organic farming practices. When we are choosing local products or organic products we are also supporting sustainable and more environmentally friendly practices. Many local products are hand made which I love.
Ingredients to avoid: parabens, mineral oils (derived from petroleum), sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium saureth sulfates (SLS) and phthalates. Some people may even be looking for vegan products - meaning no animal products like beeswax or carmine (from an insect) and cruelty free.
Q: What are your 3 must have all natural or organic beauty products?
A: This is a tough question! So many amazing things out there. Right now I'm loving the lip and cheek tint from Tata Harper. It’s perfect for summer, easy to use, versatile and smells amazing. I also use the tinted moisturizer from Sweet Leilani. It’s very light on my skin and evens out skin tone very nicely. A little goes a long way, so it lasts. I regularly use her foundations on my clients as well. I often use and recommend the Evelyn Iona lip glosses – gorgeous colors and moisturizing – and concealers (great coverage and nourishing). The company has a fabulous story. Anyone that's used these products has told me they absolutely love them.
Q: Does the application and care of all natural or organic beauty products differ from non-organic?
A: The shelf life of most natural and organic products usually needs to meet the same standards as conventional products. There is a little symbol on the back of the package or bottle that looks like a tub; it usually says 12m (months) or 6m (months). That’s how long the product will last after opening it. Heat, light and air can make oils go rancid faster. It’s good to keep that in mind.
Q: Where is the best place in Vancouver to find all natural or organic beauty products?
A: We are lucky in Vancouver as there are a lots of place to find healthy products. To name a few, Lynn Steven in Gastown has a great selection of makeup and skin care. Very knowledgeable staff too, Wish List Boutique in Kitsilano and Finlandia on West Broadway have a large selection of skin care and makeup with trained staff. Whole Foods and Choices Markets have many brands to choose from as well.
Q: Do you have any organic DIY recipes for beauty you can share with us?
A: I use coconut oil for so many things: it’s a moisturizer, makeup remover, and has fabulous healing for skin irritations (add it to your diet or apply topically). It can also be used as a lubricant! Coconut oil has antibacterial, anti fungal, anti-viral properties. I love body scrubs with a sea-salt base, essential oils like lemongrass and natural oils like coconut or olive oil. Coconut oil, brown sugar and vanilla is a super awesome combo. There are endless simple recipes online - store them in a glass jar. To be honest I don’t have as much time as I would like to play with DIY recipes... hopefully soon!
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