For serious beauty lovers, making a commitment to clean beauty might sound great in theory — but quitting the cult classics and shopping strictly green can be an overwhelming process to start, never mind stick to.
When a demanding law career inspired Tara Foley decided to step up her self-care, she discovered a major lack of info and accessibility when it came to cleaner personal products. She eventually ditched her NYC desk job and founded Follain to make shopping for those non-toxic alternatives for makeup, skincare and haircare easy. Her tightly curated online store has evolved into IRL shops — two in Boston, one in Nantucket and a pop-up in NYC– and earned Follain a reputation as the ‘Sephora of natural beauty’.
We asked this clean beauty pro for tips on making the transition to a natural beauty routine. Check out her step-by-step solution for taking the plunge for good…
LEARN WHY IT MATTERS
Read up on some of the research connecting conventional beauty ingredients to health issues, like this study, this one, or the many more out there.
WRITE DOWN YOUR REASONS FOR SWITCHING
Most people move to natural beauty for their health (see above), but the reasons why you’re choosing to switch right now matters. Writing down your reason for switching now will help you make a bigger, longer-lasting commitment.
CHECK WHAT'S IN YOUR BAG
Learn about the ingredients in the products you use most – look up your products on the thinkdirty app and EWG’s skindeep database.
CONSULT AN EXPERT
Research tailored alternatives for your skin via a personal online consultation, like Follain’s clean consult.
TAKE A DEEP BREATH
Don’t feel overwhelmed if most of your products are toxic, and don’t think you need to switch everything at once.
TAKE BABY STEPS
Start by switching the product you use most, like soap, deodorant, makeup, moisturizers… any product that sits on your skin all day.
TRY THEM FIRST
Don’t be shy about asking for samples of products before taking the plunge. You want to find the perfect fit! Or you can always start with travel- and trial-size products or an introductory trial kit.
BUILD YOUR RITUAL
Using clean products is all about self care – it will feel kind of like cooking yourself a healthy meal, as it should! Build the skincare and product ritual that makes you happy, works for your skin and helps you take a few moments to breathe and relax each day – even if just when pressing serum into your skin for that ‘serum pop.’
STICK WITH IT
Non-toxic beauty is nourishing and rooted in real ingredients. The products work differently than your conventional favorites and sometimes take an adjustment period (think: switching to oils from moisturizer or to cream deodorants).
INVOLVE YOUR FRIENDS
Whether it’s masking together, or sharing your favorite tips and products, your clean-beauty journey is best when shared with friends.
