Small steps can make a big difference! Here are 10 green personal makeover tips

Monday, April 21, 2014, 2:12 PM -

Out with old, and in with the new. Spring is a time of renewal and new beginnings, so what better time to revamp your daily routine than at the start of a promising season? 

Breaking old habits, however, doesn't always come easy (after all, who doesn't have a favourite shampoo?). With all the distractions of everyday life, we don't always have the time to think about where our products are coming from -- or where they're going once we're through with them. 

In honour of Earth Week, I've compiled a head-to-go-guide on how to easily greenify your beauty regimen.

EARTH ACTION WEEK: Be sure to check back Tuesday as we feature four stunning time lapses that will make you appreciate our planet!

1. From the root to the tip, JĀSÖN Gluten Free Daily Shampoo and Conditioner will do the trick! 

Ever notice how traditional shampoos and conditioners sometimes dry out your hair? You might want to try switching to an all-natural formula instead.

(Image: www.jason-personalcare.com)

Natural ingredients like floral extracts and citrus acid cleanse your strands without stripping them of essential oils. And if that wasn't enough, these hair products are gluten free, so they're safe for anyone with a gluten allergy! 

JĀSÖN Gluten Free Daily Shampoo and Conditioner - $8.97 US each, www.jason-personalcare.com

2. Lip tint, with a twist 

Maureen Kelly's line of cosmetics, Tarte, offers eco-chic, cruelty-free beauty products, infused with natural ingredients such as superfruit and plant extracts. Her entire product line is formulated without parabens, mineral oil, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfate, triclosan, synthetic fragrances and gluten, including her stellar LipSurgence™ lip tint, which sells for only $29.00 CAD.

SEE ALSO: Smart Style: How to look fashionable while reducing your carbon footprint

Watch the video below to learn more about Tarte High-Performace Naturals.

Visit tartcosmetics.com for purchase details.

3. LUSH Ultrablast Toothy Tabs will give you something to smile about! 

As if using all-natural ingredients (like fresh mint, lemon, and cinnamon) to blast you with fresh breath wasn't enough, these tooth cleansing tabs also come in a recyclable box! 

They do just what your regular toothpaste does -- all you have to do is just chew them up then brush away. Plus, they contain ingredients like calcium-rich seaweed powder to keep your teeth healthy and strong. As with most of LUSH’s products, these are 100% vegan and are never tested on animals.

To see how the 'toothpaste of the future' works, see the video below:

LUSH Ultrablast Toothy Tabs - $4.95 US, lushusa.com

4. Armor, without the aluminum 

Many of us are unaware of the hidden dangers in the active ingredients of modern day deodorants and antiperspirants. One of the primary ingredients used in anipersperant is aluminum, in which some scientists have proposed may be related to breast cancer. And while there is no conclusive research directly linking the use of underarm antiperspirants or deodorants and the subsequent development of breast cancer, I say why risk it? 

Luckily for us, there's an abundance of all-natural deodorants to choose from, one of which being Natural Edge, as featured in the video at the top of this article. Natural Edge deodorants are as clean and green as they come, consisting of just baking soda, glycerin and oils. 

When choosing an all-natural deodorant, it's important to note that they're not all 'one size fits all'. Body chemistry plays a significant role in the effectiveness of a natural deodorant, and you may have to try a few different brands before finding the one that works best.

(Image: www.lavanila.com)

If you're a first time buyer, be sure to look for ones that do not contain PEGs, parabens, petrochemicals, aluminum compounds, synthetic ingredients, fragrance, or antibacterials (like triclosan). 

A great starting point would be the Lavanilla Healthy Deodorant, which is free of harsh chemicals. Instead, the company uses tea tree oil to kill body odor, and natural fragrances like lavender and vanilla to leave you smelling fresh!

Lavanilla Healthy Deodorant - $14 US, www.lavanila.com

Go to next page to see why your nail polish could be detrimental to your health!