Slow beauty is the counter-trend to a shelf full of cosmetic products, focusing on minimalism, mindfulness and holistic beauty from within. We explain how you can integrate slow beauty into your daily life.
In the same way that slow food exists, “slow beauty” can be defined as the trend in body care that takes into account health, long-term effects, ecological sustainability, social justice, body awareness and self-esteem. It is the opposite trend to “junk cosmetics”, which almost always comes out expensive for the pocket, for the body and for the planet.
Slow beauty goes beyond the creams that are applied, it is a change of habits that invites you to take life calmly, savoring every moment and living according to a healthy lifestyle.
THE PRINCIPLES OF SLOW BEAUTY
Lovers of slow beauty assume that they do not have to own the latest cosmetic product in which millions have been invested in advertising. It is infinitely more important to be interested in how the product was made, whether the ingredients are good for the body in the long run and whether it is safe for the environment.
- The care routine that includes hygiene, rest, relaxation and natural treatments is above the specific cosmetic product.
- Less is more: a few natural products are enough.
- Every product, including cosmetics, has effects on wildlife, plants and the climate.
- It is also about choosing cosmetics that have “soul”, that awaken the senses: touch, sight, smell …
These principles can turn around the current impact of conventional cosmetics. According to a study by the US Environmental Protection Agency, the cosmetics and beauty industry was responsible for one-third of non-recyclable waste in landfills, mainly due to the production of single-use packaging.
Many cosmetic products contain microplastics and palm oil, produced in ways that are harmful to the environment.
On the other hand, the presence of natural ingredients in a product is not enough to “save” it. You have to be interested in its origin. Products such as shea butter, cocoa butter and mica are often extracted from nature destroying ecosystems or produced under inhumane working conditions.
SO, YOU CAN INTEGRATE SLOW BEAUTY INTO YOUR DAY TO DAY
With these three tips you can easily integrate slow beauty into your everyday life:
1. PRACTICE SELF-CARE
A healthy lifestyle is the most important foundation for enjoying beauty from within. This not only includes a balanced diet, avoiding addictive substances such as alcohol and cigarettes, but also regular sport and outdoor exercise.
Loving yourself, taking care of your mental health, and avoiding chronic stress at work and in relationships are also all part of basic self-care. Yoga, meditation, journaling can help.
2. SIMPLIFY YOUR GROOMING ROUTINE
Find personal care products that work for your body. Ignore advertising promises of instant results through a specific product. Usually, this is just marketing or the effect is simulated in the short term with unsustainable ingredients that nevertheless damage the skin barrier in the long term.
Skin cells have a 28-day renewal cycle, so be patient and give them time to regenerate before looking for a new product. Combine the application of your moisturizer or facial oil with a relaxing facial massage.
3. THINK ABOUT THE PLANET AND OTHER PEOPLE
Support with your money products that have been manufactured under fair and environmentally friendly working conditions. Ideally, buy from companies that use natural ingredients without long-distance import routes, do not test on animals, and offer reusable or recyclable packaging.
Don’t forget to stop by the cosmetics section when you walk into a fair-trade store.