When I started out in this game, I was a starry-eyed assistant doing unpaid work experience, often charged with organising the ‘beauty cupboard’. Certain products always stood out for me: rose body oil; natural moisturisers; mineral make-up. It didn’t take me long to realise I was drawn to products containing ingredients I had a connection with – ones that, ultimately, my body might have a connection with, too. Full disclosure: I haven’t only used or written about naturals, but they’ve always been my preference and, for the past few years, I’ve used nothing but naturals.
Steadily, my choices filled my pages of Psychologies – until it became appropriate to champion none other than natural cosmetics. I don’t use the word ‘chemicals’ in opposition to ‘naturals’, as every living and non-living thing is made of chemicals. It’s also possible to have an allergic reaction to naturals; in fact, it’s potentially more likely, and certain essential oils are common irritants.
Knowledge is power