Aside from the food part of my 30-day vegan challenge, I would like to talk about an aspect of the vegan and clean lifestyle that many people might not think about when first making the switch — what’s inside our everyday beauty products.

It sucks that most of the skin care, shampoo, makeup, etc. that we buy at the grocery store is made with chemicals that are harmful to our body. Plus, some are tested on animals. Because of this, I have recently made the switch to natural shampoo made with no sodium chloride, sulfates, dyes, harsh salts, parabens, or gluten!

My parents have also switched to a completely organic and clean lifestyle. Along with that, my mother has started making all of her own cleaning, skin, and beauty supplies to ensure that only the best natural, organic ingredients go into them. She has always said, “Why would I want to put something on my skin that I shouldn’t ingest?” Now I use homemade, clean and simple items religiously in place of my old products. I believe this has not only made me healthier, but also saved me a lot of money.

I now use a homemade “pitpaste” rather then deodorant. I also use toothpaste made from activated charcoal, as well as lotion, facewash, and makeup remover made out of coconut oil. I even use homemade laundry detergent and foundation powder!

All of this seemed very intimidating to me at first, but I am so glad I have made the switch to a plant-based diet and can share my experience. I would advise others to take it one day at a time, and remember: we all fail. Don’t let small lost battles defeat you. Tomorrow is a new day!

“If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again.” -William Edward Hickson