11 Natural Beauty Alternatives Perfect for Living in an RV

More than ever, it's hard for us to know exactly what ingredients are in the products we use. We keep coming across studies showing that going a more natural route for beauty products will benefit our health in the long run. Ditch the chemical ridden products that line your shelves, and start this new year out with natural beauty alternatives. Vanessa has been a HUGE advocate for all-natural err'thang. She makes our cleaning products, toothpaste, and most of our beauty products, too. I can always count on her to say "Don't buy that, I can make it" whenever we're in the store. Which, in fact, turns out to be true.

We wanted to share with you guys some of our beauty alternatives that we've come up with in hopes that you can start incorporating them into your lifestyle. Part of our journey of full-time living in an RV is to be more conscious of things, more aware. So we began taking a look at what we were putting into, and on, our bodies. For people that are more results-oriented and need to see big changes in order to stick with something--this isn't it. These are long-term commitments that you are making to your health. Going from ingesting chemicals to not ingesting chemicals isn't going to be a huge reveal externally. But, keep an eye out for minor changes, small ways you might feel better and lighter.
 
Take a look at some of the natural beauty alternatives we've come up with.

1. Deodorant
You may not have known, but there are very hard chemicals found in deodorant. Recent reports link these products and high rates of breast cancer. A safe and effective alternative is with baking soda! Simply mix baking soda with equal parts coconut oil for a great natural alternative.

2. Teeth Whitener
It's been a growing obsession to have the whitest teeth, yet most over-the-counter whiteners are just filled with unhealthy ingredients. An all-natural alternative comes from combining hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to make a watery paste, then a few drops of clove essential oil. Peroxide and baking soda are both natural bleaching ingredients that can offer you a healthy smile with no adverse health issues.

3. Toothpaste
Did you know that conventional toothpastes have recently been linked to cancer and thyroid disease? Many also contain sugar, which ironically leads to cavities. How weird. A natural alternative can be used by mixing baking soda and peppermint liquid castille soap to make a thicker paste. Voila, healthy teeth the natural way.

4. Body Lotion
This one's quite a shocker. Have you ever wondered where that lovely smell comes from in your body lotion? More often than not it's from chemical compounds that end up being absorbed in the skin and stored in fat tissue. A wonderful natural alternative is pure organic coconut oil. It's naturally antibacterial and helps with wrinkles and dry skin, too!

5. Body Scrubs
Sloughing off dead skin to create a healthier surface is something most women aim to do. Yet those expensive body scrubs are filled with dangerous additives, perfumes, and dyes, that may be doing more hard than good. Instead, try some more natural exfoliants like Epsom salt or coffee grounds. One of our favorite homemade body scrubs combines sugar, coffee grounds and coconut oil.

6. Make-up Remover
Make-up removers purchased over-the-counter have harsh chemicals that can end up completely destroying your skin. Instead, a simple solution to remove leftover make-up is through organic extra virgin olive oil. It not only works to remove make-up, but it also moisturizes the skin at the same time.

7. Anti-dandruff Shampoo
Have you ever actually tried to read the backs of these shampoo bottles? Some of the ingredients are extremely hard to pronounce. And you know what they say...if you can't pronounce it, your body doesn't need it. A more natural solution can be found with apple cider vinegar sprayed onto your scalp before washing your hair.

8. Hair Spray
It's so hard to get that perfect coif to hold without using chemicals. Alas, we have an all-natural solution. Mix a cup of boiling water with 1-4 teaspoons of sugar and let dissolve. Pour into a fine mister bottle and spray away! Not only does it hold hair naturally, but it also adds a little shine.

9. Lip Balm
Keeping your lips moist is a crucial part of every winter season. In order to do this naturally, combine beeswax, cocoa butter, coconut oil, and almond oil over low heat. Once it cools, you're all set for an all-natural lip moisturizer.

10. Shampoo
Many shampoos on the market contain chemicals that clean your hair, but also remove all the natural oil that helps nourish your hair. To try an all-natural hair cleaner, use soapnut to make a paste with warm water. Apply to your hair and wash as normal.

11. Lipstick
Using lipstick every day may be staining your lips with chemicals. Instead, try crushing pomegranate seeds and mixing in some milk cream. Apply every day and your lips will be naturally red and full. 

And there you have it. A few VERY simple ways to incorporate more natural beauty products into your life. Sometimes, when you're living in an RV you find it easier to just load up on over-the-counter products and save yourself the hassle. But, you're body may be suffering! If you just take one day out of the month and make your products, you'll not only reap the health benefits, but also the financial ones as well.

​Happy New Year, everyone!