"Is that gluten free?" -Most of the world, including myself.
I just want to point out that I have gained 30 pounds since starting college. They weren't joking when they warned us about the Freshman 15. Unfortunately, my stubborn freshman-self decided a heap of noodles, bread, and cheese pizza was the best way to conquer my constant hunger.
I apparently lost all of my knowledge about my Paleo lifestyle and stopped caring for my general health, resulting in feeling poorly nearly every night, horrible skin problems, and still feeling hungry later on in the evening.
So I smacked myself (metaphorically) in the face and told myself I needed to straighten up! You better believe I ate salads for a good three days... and then I got bored. How predictable?!
It took awhile, but I eventually went back to gluten free and almost dairy free--Sue me for loving chocolate!
I felt less like the walking dead at the sound of my 7 am alarm, took fewer naps during the week, and felt more excited to get out of the apartment; however, I noticed my skin did not quite clear up the way I expected.
Most people think about gluten when they sit down for a meal, but they wouldn't typically think about it when looking through their makeup bag.
Just a little background info: If a patient is diagnosed with Celiac Disease, an immune reaction to eating gluten, or Dermatitis Herpetiformis, an itchy, bumpy skin condition that occurs when one comes into contact with gluten, doctors typically recommend avoiding cosmetics containing gluten, especially lipsticks, due to the user's high chances of ingestion.
There is no doubt that diet plays a huge role in acne and skin care, but if you or someone you know is struggling with keeping acne at bay, they may want to consider the cosmetic products they are using in the off chance that they could have an adverse reaction.
Common ingredients containing gluten include wheat germ, triticum, aestivum, avena sativa, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, and hydrolyzed wheat protein.
Organic brands such as Juice Beauty, Dr. Hauschka, and Josie Maran claim all of their beauty products are gluten free. Cosmetic lines including Cover Girl, E.L.F, and IT Cosmetics have stated they do not use gluten in their products, with the exception of their mascaras and eyeliners.
Becoming aware of these beauty blunders and gluten goof-ups has really helped my skin heal and become much clearer. If only I could learn to eat dairy free chocolate.
Below, I have listed some great options for gluten free cosmetic products for those who are concerned about their skin conditions or just want to try something a little safer.
1. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser ($11): This is a very mild cleanser. Being on the lower end of the price scale, it still lives up to my expectations of being gentle on my sensitive skin, and it does not strip my skin of its natural oils, which is extremely important to someone with dry skin.
2. Juice Beauty Green Apple Brightening Eye Cream ($38): A lot of people around my age think it is very odd that I am already using eye creams and serums, but believe it or not, your skin will look great when you are older if you start taking care of it ASAP! I have very dark circles under my eyes. I also love to laugh, but crows feet is a nasty side effect. Therefore, I use a serum twice a day (AM and PM) to help soften the prominent darkness and to erase lines and general puffiness.
3. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush ($38): A refreshing spin on blush with the radiant powers of a highlighter and the setting powers of a setting powder. There are several hues to pick from to fit your look. My favorite is Luminous Flush, a mauve-y pink, but there are so much more to pick from. I think it adds a pop of color and a refreshing dimensional look to my contour.
4. BareMinerals Original Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15 ($29): A very natural looking and feeling loose mineral foundation for days when you want to even out your blotchy skin but it is totally inappropriate to wear a full coverage foundation. I am normally not the biggest fan of loose powders or any powder for that matter as a foundation because my skin tends to get dry from the powder soaking up my face's natural oils, but I have not noticed that problem at all with this one. In case if you are wondering, I wear the shade Fair because pale is the new tan (I think).
5. Tartelette Amazonian Clay Matte Palette ($45): This eyeshadow palette contains 12 matte shades to create the perfect neutral look or the fiercest of smokey eyes. This is a more expensive palette, but the array of colors allows for a multitude of looks for every occasion while ensuring a sexy, but safe look. My favorite combination is Super Mom in the inner corner and as a highlight under my brow, Natural Beauty over the entire mobile eyelid, and Best Friend in the outer v and along the bottom lash line. A girly smokey eye that is so quick and is always flawless.
6. Dr. Hauschka Kajal Eyeliner ($19): As most of you know, I am not really an eyeliner user, but a friend recommended this to me, and it is a quick fix to some sleepy-looking eyes. It is a very waxy consistency, which some may not enjoy, but I thought it made it very easy to apply. I use the color Espresso Bean because I think brown liner suits brown eyes best, but there are also options of black, blue, green, and gray.
7. Josie Maran Argan Infinity Lip and Cheek Oil ($18): I will never complain about something that will hydrate my Sahara Desert lips. This is a great alternative to sticky lip glosses or dull blushers. This 100% argan oil is nourishing due to its full packed smack in the mouth with natural oils and butters from sunflowers. My favorite tints for my lips are Boundless Berry and Always Cherry, and I love Limitless Pink for my cheeks.
