BEAUTY TALK
Beauty talk time, ladies. When I was writing the post on lightness the other week, I started to think about how the feeling of being light and free relates to feeling beautiful in our own skin, bodies, and lives. In my heart, I truly believe that true beauty lies within and it comes from one place- the Lord's unending love for us. Not to do a book pitch right now for Lo, but in her book your beautiful heart she really explored the concept of how it is the Lord's love and grace that makes us beautiful. Inner beauty (from Him) is the only kind of beauty that is lasting and fulfilling. I don't know about you, but that knowledge evokes a feeling of lightness and freeness in my soul. It's not about the makeup, the perfect clothes, the great hair or any of that-- it's about our hearts and His love. One of my favorite quotes from her book is this: Real beauty makes you bloom. It is freedom to be you. Amen to that! Once I discovered that beauty is living out his plan for my life, doing everything for His glory, and being kind and loving and living like Jesus, I felt free to be me. I am forever amazed by how the Lord has created each one of us completely uniquely both physically and emotionally- every little thing about you was made that way for a reason by Him and for Him. Celebrating our natural beauty (the way He made us) not only makes Him so happy, but it will make us truly happy, too.
Now, let me quickly say that I am all about getting dolled up, putting on makeup, exercising to stay fit, trying out hair products, and putting on an outfit that makes me feel extra good. Those things I just listed are gifts from Him and joys of life. They just aren't the definition of beauty because they are not everlasting- they are fun extras. Another thing about beauty that I have learned is that being healthy is truly beautiful and so necessary. It's a well known fact of course, but giving our bodies good fuel through healthy food options and healthy drinks will make us capable of feeling our best and living our best lives.
On top of that, using safe and chemical free beauty products and hair products is so important. Why put anything on your beautiful self that isn't good for you! Looking for products that are paraben-free is a good place start. There are a lot of chemicals that are allowed to be in beauty products that aren't necessarily good for you. Below are a few of our favorite chemical-free beauty and make-up items that will add to your natural, God given beauty. Leave comments in the comment section if you have any feedback or questions.
- this face mask from the kate somerville line
- face powder from beauty counter (beauty counter is a great source for safe products)
- this radiant bronzer from volition (c/o)
- hand cream from this works (c/o)
- philip kingsley elasticizer (my all-time favorite hair product)
- split end therapy from rita hazan
- this indian healing clay mud mask (melissa swears by it)
- foundation stick + concealer from w3ll people (two more favorites of melissa's)
- charlotte tilbury highlighter (highlights cheek bones + it doubles as eye shadow)
images by hannah burton