We understand farm-to-table when it comes to our food and we’ve heard “you are what you eat” basically all our lives. But these expressions mean more to consumers than just eating healthy.

Knowledge of what healthy food consumption is has evolved well past increasing one’s fruit and veggie intakes and has surpassed avoiding red meat and unhealthy fats. Healthy food consumption has expanded past what we eat to greater public awareness of how our food is produced. This is namely the difference between ‘organic’ versus ‘conventional’ foods, specifically what the differences between the two are, and why they matter.

But what about the concept of “you are what you apply?” Or “farm-to-face” beauty? Understanding the truth about what we put on our bodies, is just as important (or more) as knowing what we put in our bodies.

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So what is farm-to-face skin care exactly?

Farm-to-face skin care includes the use of pure and fresh ingredients, that are locally sourced or grown right on the premises where those beauty products are made. This allows availability of the freshest ingredients, all while ensuring the purist quality of said products. Brands who utilize the farm-to-face approach are focused on the sustainability and transparency of their products throughout the production and manufacturing processes.

Now more so than ever, consumers want complete transparency from their beauty brands. They want to know all the ingredients, where they came from and how the product was manufactured. They want to know exactly what is in the formulas, and how much of it, from acid potency to parabens to potential skin-aggravating agents.

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But this isn’t just about health. Consumers want products that are not only good for their skin, but they want products that are good for the environment. They want sustainable beauty products that aline with their personal values and beliefs. They want to buy products from companies that are just as aware of the skin-perfecting benefits as well as the ethical and social circumstances.

We understand our environment and the harmful elements that come with it — such as stress, pollution and blue light — and how they all take a toll on our skin over time. So it makes sense that we’d want to know what’s going into our beauty products to combat such issues.

According to a report from industry magazine In-Cosmetics, “the average woman uses more than 20 different beauty products throughout an average day” resulting in an accumulation of “an average of 4lb 6oz of chemical substances being absorbed through her skin each year.” That’s a serious amount of toxins that could pose dire threats to one’s health over time.

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We banned GMO and non-organic products from our diets a while ago and ethical fashion has slowly been filling our wardrobe over recent years, yet “despite a borderline obsession with what we put in our mouths and hang in our closets, we are just beginning to think about the products we put on our skin.”

It seems the farm-to-face beauty trend is gaining mass attention right now, but there are many beauty brands that have been repping transparency for quite some time now. Tata Harper, Jurlique and Ilcsi, for example, have long advocated for farm-to-face skincare. The Body Shop has also been a transparent beauty company since its establishment having worked with farmers globally to source its product’s ingredients.

Large-scale beauty retailers are starting to take notice of the trend. Companies like Sephora and Nordstrom have even begun holding pop-ups in which they partner with green beauty manufacturers like Goop and Juice Beauty to keep up with the green beauty movement.

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More and more consumers are willing to pay a premium for cleaner skin care products. And with consumers becoming more aware of the ingredients they do (and don’t) want to put on their skin, the desire for the utmost in healthful cosmetic ingredients is steadily growing.

So how can you become more socially and health conscious when it comes to the beauty products you choose to buy and put on your skin?

1. Check your current skincare routine and products on the Environmental Working Group website.
2. Take the time and research skin care brands that use all-natural ingredients and plant-based formulas.
3. Instead of fancy and over-priced makeup remover try using organic, fair trade coconut butter or coconut oil. The natural fatty acids in coconut oil can break down most eye makeup, making it easy to wipe off as it also acts as a natural moisturizer for the skin.
4. Purchase green beauty alternatives once your current products run out. Remember to replace your makeup on a regular basis as well as all-natural makeup products may have a shorter shelf life.
5. Wash your makeup brushes and face cloths with pure tea tree oil. It is a natural antimicrobial and antiseptic.

Are you a fan of the “Farm-To-Face” concept? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Featured image: Instagram/ @innisfreeusa

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Back to nature!

We’re a few months into the year, and our clean and green beauty resolutions have not wavered. We’re definitely huge fans of products that get the job done, but sometimes that comes at a cost. Let’s all do our best to steer clear of brands that test on animals or source ingredients in harmful ways.

So, in order to help you on your cruelty-free product quest, we’ve sourced five brands that can address your natural skin concerns. Check these five stores located inside the Eaton Centre.

1. Aveda Experience Centre:

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Aveda has been a friend to the environment since 1978, and continues to push the boundaries for natural beauty products. From their hair care products to luxe makeup skincare buys, they stock our vanities with some of the best planet-friendly finds around town. If you’re hoping to snag a few of their smooth frizzing potions or sun care products before your holiday in the sun, be sure to stop by their experience store right here in Toronto.

2. Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics:

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Lush seriously brings the fun to the natural beauty industry! Not only do they buy ethically, but they proactively fight against animal testing. Their products are handmade and vegetarian, and to top it all off, their packaging is recycled. Stop by their Eaton’s Centre store for their latest and greatest including a slew of colourful bath bombs, lotions and the like.

3. Saje Natural Wellness:

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The come up story for Saje Natural Wellness has been exciting to watch. If you’ve ever stopped by one of their locations, you will notice a fragrant aroma that allows you to feel centred no matter the situation. Saje is also a proudly Canadian brand that uses 100% natural ingredients derived from true sources. All ingredients are listed very clearly on the label and boast no artificial fragrances, parabens, silicones or SLS.

4. Compagnie de Provence:

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These vegetable oil derived products come straight from Marseilles, France, and are free of colouring or artificial additives. Their natural line has also expanded from soaps to fragrances, face care and home products which will clean up your life, and leave it smelling like a sumptuous lavender field in Provence.

5. The Body Shop:

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It’s no secret that The Body Shop cares about animals and the environment! From their affordable pricing to their cruelty-free mantra and ethically sourced ingredients, you can feel good while shopping here. They have also partnered with Cruelty-Free International, an organization aimed at fighting against animal cruelty. Make a difference and sign the petition today: https://www.thebodyshop.com/en-ca/againstanimaltesting

Featured image: Instagram/ @lushcosmetics

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