Gluten Free Beauty Products

As a Celiac, I am extremely cautious about letting gluten near my body. I check food labels, watch carefully as others cook, and wash my hands religiously. I know the effects that it can have on my body, and try to avoid that pain at all costs. That said, one must be careful to avoid poisons on their body, as well as inside it. So, today we shall discuss gluten free beauty products.

While some studies have shown that, because Celiac disease is based off of the effects of gluten in the intestines, gluten absorbed topically has no ill side effects.

That said, if something is poisonous to ingest, why would you slather it all over your body? Surely that can't be good for you. Also, how often is it possible for your soapy shampoo water to enter your mouth? Or you touch your made-up face in between eating your lunch? There is the possibility of ingesting external products without directly consuming them.  In addition to the possible contamination, some may find that wheat containing products irritate their skin, causing break-outs or rashes. Wouldn't it be nice if your acne problem could be cured by simply switching foundations?

Besides avoiding gluten in my products, I try to look for brands that are hypoallergenic for my sensitive skin, and do not contain all of those other harmful chemicals.  The majority of the products I   use do not contain parabens, sulfates or synthetic fragrances.

A couple of things about me before we get started. 

I am not a makeup/hair/skin expert, this is all personal experience. 

I have never been one to fall madly in love with a single product, I find things that work-and keep buying them; but that doesn't mean that there is not something better out there. That said, I am still constantly on the hunt for better things-I may share some completely new products with you in a couple of months.

I am extremely sensitive to smells, I do not like heavy floral smells, I prefer subtle and sweet.

 I have pretty good skin. It is practically translucent in color (porcelain they call it) and pretty clear. I only occasionally get breakouts-and its almost always food related. Hence the major reason why I do not eat dairy products. Because my skin aint so bad, I do not need heavy coverage from foundations and I am perfectly content to go without makeup somedays. I like soft, subtle makeup that enhances my features, rather then creating a completely new face.

Last but not least, I do not buy super fancy expensive things. I also don't buy dollar store shampoo. All of these products can be found at your local Target or drugstore. 

Now that we are all set: 

Starting with shower products, I have been using Organix shampoo and conditioner for a couple of weeks now. At first, I didn't think it was all that special-my wet hair actually felt slightly dry every time I used it. But, as time has gone on, my hair has become softer and healthier. Turns out, I just had never had a conditioner that didn't leave a slimy coat on my hair after I washed it out, thus giving the illusion of moisture rather then actually seeping in there.

For a body wash, I use Shea Moisture argan oil and raw shea wash. I have fallen in love with Shea Moisture products. They use natural, safe ingredients in all of their products so there is no worry in using them. It smells great, and leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth.

My skin tends to get rather dry, and I literally have to slather up with lotion the second I step out of the shower, no joke. My face starts to hurt f I don't. I have used various lotions/moisturizers over my lifetime, and while some are better then others-they too often left me still feeling dry. Just adding moisture to the surface of my skin. Coconut oil has been the saving grace. I know, coconut oil has become the new fad-but it works! I slather it on my face, my lips and the rest of my skin every night, to wake up to soft smooth skin. Its wonderful! The only problem, sometimes my hair gets into contact with my skin after I apply, and my hair looks a bit greasy. So, I would recommend to put your hair up before application!

At night, I prefer to use makeup wipes to wash off my makeup. I have used a few different brands, some of which have left my face dry or red, some that just smell awful. Say Yes to cucumbers face wipes smell great, wash well, and leave my skin feeling soft and moist.

Last but not least, Jonathans Dirt Texturizing paste. This, has been my favorite hair product for years. I have this issue with clean hair, as most people do. It never cooperates right after I wash it, it won't hold a curl, and it gets all fluffy throughout the day. I put this dirt paste in when my hair is almost dry-but still slightly damp, and it gives my the perfect second day texture. I love it!

On to face makeup.

Foundation has been my hardest product to replace. I used covergirl something or another for years, and it was the right color, a good texture, and provided great coverage. But, as it goes the brand is less then forthright about gluten containing products.

I found this Pacifica BB cream at Target, and decided to give it a try. It is more of a tinted moisturizer then a foundation, but it leaves my face even and smooth after application. I use this on days when I don't really want to wear makeup... but still put in a little effort, you know-just in case! BB creams are all the rage these days, and I don't really get them, but whatever. Also, this is a good primer to use under foundation-if your into that, which I'm not really. 

Again, Shea moisture products are perfect. This foundation is the right color, texture all that jazz. Works great.

I am still not sure what I think about Boots No7 foundation. I keep using it, so I guess theres that. It is very thin and runny, which I don't love. But it applies well, and give great all day coverage. I top it off with a powder to reduce the dewey look it gives, but it feels light and fresh all day.

The powder and concealer I have are both from Physicians formula. The powder, works great to top off my foundation, and look how cute it is! The concealer, works well but is a little dark for my complexion. They don't have many color options, so this is as light as it goes. I prefer my concealer to be a shade lighter then my foundation (which is not always possible when I have the lightest foundation color as well) and this one is almost darker then the other products I have. So, I will still keep looking for a good concealer.

For the eyes, I have mostly Physicians formula products. They are one of those brands that label gluten free, and don't contain other harmful ingredients. I love a good liquid eyeliner, and a large lash. Mascara for me, often causes eye irritation and flaking-which has not occurred with this one! What isn't from Physicians Formula, is from Pixi. I emailed the company for a list of gluten free products, and they sent me a good sized list of products I could use; which contained the mineral eye shadow palette, brow duo, and eyeliner pictured above. 

I also got the phMatchmaker Lip gloss from Physicians Formula, just for funs. I don't know about all that ph matching business that they are into, but I like it as a good subtle lip gloss.

And thats that! As I continue to look for great, healthy beauty products-I will keep you updated!

What are your favorite gluten free beauty products? Any I should try?

xoxo

*disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. All products discussed were bought and tested by me personally. Products are all either labeled as gluten free, or were confirmed gluten free through email to the company. As always, thought and opinions are my own!