We know what you're thinking: Why would anyone in her right mind want to give up her shampoo, conditioner, hairstyling products, skin care products and makeup? But then we thought, with all this talk of harmful ingredients (like the ones mentioned on this list) and the virtue of inner beauty, maybe we could learn a thing or two from a product 'diet.' See what this product junkie discovered when she switched from using 27 products a day to using only body wash and sunscreen for a full month. Her experience may surprise you, and inspire you to think about how many products you really need to look and feel gorgeous every day.
Or maybe after reading this you'll realize that the answer isn't about abandoning products altogether, but looking into your kitchen cabinets for natural ingredients that offer beauty benefits like hydration, oil absorption, etc. These homemade beauty product recipes are all made out of basic edible ingredients -- and they work. Maybe in the spirit of this woman's journey you'll try supplementing some of your bottled products for them.
If you do decide to take a similar challenge, please let us know what your experience was like by commenting on this story.
Photo 2/19
Day -1
"Before I begin, here's a 'before' picture, just for some perspective. In it, I'm wearing a full face of makeup, from foundation to lip stain, and have my just-washed hair pulled back into a bun. This is what I normally look like."
Next: Beauty Challenge Day 1
Photo 3/19
Day 1
"It's my first day at the office without makeup on, and of course I have a monster, three-headed zit in the 'beauty mark' spot. Plus, I got a giant bouquet of flowers for my birthday, and everyone came over to my desk to see them. I'm starting to wonder if they all think I look ill. Sigh. At least I was on time."
Discovery: You can't escape Murphy's Law, and apparently your beauty routine can make you late for work.
Photo 4/19
Day 3
"My self-esteem is under siege. I arrived at a dive bar for what was supposed to be casual drinks with my husband and two of our close friends last night. Turned out it was a surprise birthday party, and everyone showed up in style. I was literally in jeans, a t-shirt and no makeup. Maybe my big red beret brightened my complexion."
Discovery: An attractive accessory like a hat can hide oily roots and detract attention from your bare face.
Photo 5/19
Day 5
"I've come as far as I can with just Dove soap and water. I look like the poster child for Les Miserables. I need a hair-and-body wash like my husband's pronto."
Discovery: The powers that be only make (or should I say market) hair-and-body wash for men, babies and athletes. Why is that?
We know what you're thinking: Why would anyone in her right mind want to give up her shampoo, conditioner, hairstyling products, skin care products and makeup? But then we thought, with all this talk of harmful ingredients (like the ones mentioned on this list) and the virtue of inner beauty, maybe we could learn a thing or two from a product 'diet.' See what this product junkie discovered when she switched from using 27 products a day to using only body wash and sunscreen for a full month. Her experience may surprise you, and inspire you to think about how many products you really need to look and feel gorgeous every day.
Or maybe after reading this you'll realize that the answer isn't about abandoning products altogether, but looking into your kitchen cabinets for natural ingredients that offer beauty benefits like hydration, oil absorption, etc. These homemade beauty product recipes are all made out of basic edible ingredients -- and they work. Maybe in the spirit of this woman's journey you'll try supplementing some of your bottled products for them.
If you do decide to take a similar challenge, please let us know what your experience was like by commenting on this story.
