Why I Changed My Beauty Routine To A Clean Beauty Regimen And What Happened
Disclaimer: my skin and hair are glowing
First, let’s start with the basics: what actually is ‘clean beauty’? Essentially, clean beauty refers to skincare and beauty products that are free from potentially harmful ingredients. Many clean beauty products tend to be made from natural ingredients, designed to be better for both people and the planet (which in Love Beauty and Planet’s case, includes being kind to animals, too).
Sounds like a win-win, right? Which is exactly why I decided to roadtest my own clean beauty routine for a week. Was it even possible to find high-quality products that did the job? And how effective could they really be – would my hair fall flat? Was a teenage-style breakout imminent? However nervous I was, I was keen to try.
My clean hair care
First impressions? Clean beauty has undergone a serious upgrade. Gone are those lackluster, watery shampoos that never quite feel like they’ve done the job, and in their place? Products that deliver powerful, lasting results. First, I went for a deep clean with the delightful Love Beauty and Planet Detox Charcoal and Bergamot Shampoo Scrub, which delivered gentle exfoliation (it feels heavenly when massaged on the scalp). Next was Love Beauty and Planet’s Sulfate-Free Blue-Green Algae and Eucalyptus Shampoo, infused with marine moisture. The rich and creamy consistency meant my hair looked immediately shinier, healthier and volumized. To tame those flyaways and add glossiness, I finished off with Love Beauty and Planet’s Murumuru Butter & Rose Hair Mask, which really did the job. Impressively, I managed to leave hair a day longer between washes too, with zero grease or oiliness. Some kind of miracle? For me, yes.
My clean skincare
This was the category I was most nervous about, I thought that turning to clean skincare would mean depriving my face of luxuries, thankfully it doesn't have to be that way. Case in point? Love Beauty and Planet’s Beloved range – I fell for the vegan sheet masks. Each one is delicately infused with powerful essential oils and naturally derived fibers, packing an incredibly hydrating punch. Great for days when your skin needs a little something ‘extra’.
My clean body care
Trialing clean beauty in the winter months means paying particular attention to those dry areas like elbows and ankles, which can really suffer. Which is where my new go-tos came in. First? The Love Beauty and Planet Beloved body scrubs (I alternated between Cherry Blossom and Tea Rose and Grapefruit and Red Ginger for silky smooth skin). I also became a firm devotee of the ultra-moisturising body creams. My personal favorite? Love Beauty and Planet’s Cherry Blossom & Tea Rose Body Cream, which left even my driest areas lovingly hydrated and nourished, with a heavenly aroma even my boyfriend noticed.
The clean beauty verdict
Besides a (very) slight difference in terms of foaming (thanks to the absence of sulfates), you’d be hard pressed to tell the difference between clean beauty products and their ‘less-clean’ counterparts. With impressive, long-lasting results that feel seriously luxurious to use, I’m already sold and will be making a permanent swap. If it means not compromising on results and doing my bit to help the planet, it’s a no-brainer.
