Extreme Minimalism: Natural Beauty

English: Picture of a natural beauty, that is frequently chased, but never has been, or will be made to somebody’s private posession. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It’s been a struggle between my need to be beautiful or to strive for it anyway, and the need to simplify life.  The dilemma has come from being exposed to marketing and societal expectations.  Makeup was originally meant to enhance a woman’s features. Now for many, it restructures their whole being. My move to extreme minimalism in personal care and towards natural beauty was for many reasons:

*I don’t want to look fake or like anyone else although I don’t have the opinion that others should follow me. As always, the individual has to consider what is right for them.

* I want to simplify my life so that I just have to live with the basics of everything. I don’t want the stress that goes with acquiring and keeping more than the essentials of life.

*  It is important to me for my authentic self to shine through. It started to feel shallow when I had to cover up so much to feel good about myself. I became frantic about all of the flaws that I saw. I forgot about the beauty within.

* I want to concentrate on healthy choices including lowering exposure to toxins, eating a healthy diet that will enhance my skin etc, and exercise in the right way.

Here is what I am now rid of:

Makeup

Makeup was making me crazy. There was always something more to buy, try, or paint on. It was taking time away from my family and friends. I felt made up, fake, and vain sometimes.  Much of this was perspective but very real to me.

Skin Treatments

The decision on the right skin treatments was maddening. Whatever I bought, it never seemed the right choice.  I was paying a lot of money for perfume, wax, and possible toxins. I finally cleaned out the cupboard.

Hair Treatments

As I moved into middle age I realized how much time and money I was spending on my hair and still wasn’t happy with it. Sometimes I went to crazy extremes such as bleaching my hair platinum blonde or cutting it extremely short. Multiple hair products were filling my cupboard and it took an extra suitcase just for my hair when we traveled.

Now what do I do since I cleaned out all of the cupboards and got down to natural beauty?

*Natural bar soap for cleansing.

*Organic shampoo 

*Coconut oil for skin, hair, and lip moisturizing. 

*Lemon, orange, or lime  juice for exfoliating.

I no longer color my hair or use styling products.

I no longer use makeup.

I no longer use skin treatments such as lotions, creams, or serums.

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