6.18.2010 12:09 PM

Are There Cheap Natural Beauty Products?

Are you overwhelmed by the cost of organic beauty products? Natural makeup artist Jessa Blades suggests some great beauty bargains.

Comments

Photo: Image Source / Getty Images

By Gloria Dawson

Cosmetics can be a minefield of chemicals and mile-long ingredient lists. Want simple answers to your questions about natural cosmetics and beauty products? Natural makeup artist Jessa Blades answers your questions.

Q: I would love to use organic body products and makeup, but they are so darn expensive. I just can't spend 50 bucks on 1 ounce of cream. Not practical at all. Any ideas about products that are more reasonable priced would be helpful...
-Jennifer Schroeppel Wirth

A: It is a real misconception that natural products cost more. This can be true in some cases but don't fear! There are reasonably priced options out there, I promise! Aubrey Organics (natural shampoo for $11 at amazon.com) and Weleda ("Skin Food" for $17 at beautorium.com) are two companies that are reasonably priced and work really well.

There is no need to get overwhelmed with the price of organics, once you start making changes you realize that you really need to buy less products, and you'll even learn how to use them to multitask. Also, when you eliminate synthetics and toxic ingredients from your skin care routine, your skin will improve, which will also allow you to use less than before. You can save money on body/lip scrubs by making them yourself: sugar and olive oil works great! (See how to make lip balm.) I can't stress enough the magical powers of oils. Organic argan, jojoba, and sweet almond oils act as great moisturizers for your face and body are reasonably priced and can transform your skin.

Jessa Blades founded Blades Natural Beauty in 2008 and was named one of Glamour Magazine's 70 Eco-Heroes in 2009. She was trained at the Makeup Artistry School in Toronto and later worked for MAC Cosmetics before switching to natural beauty products. Jessa lives in New York City and works for various fashion, beauty and bridal clients. She believes women can have it both ways -- live healthfully and look beautiful.

Jessa answers more of your beauty questions:
How Bad in Nail Polish?
Is Mineral Makeup Bad for Your Lungs?
Is There Natural Makeup for People with Rosacea?
What's a Great Natural Mascara?
How Do Natural Cosmetics Keep from "Going Bad"?
What's a Great Natural Lipstick?