I’m a girl’s girl when it comes to cosmetics, bath lotions, perfumes and lotions. I have been known to run to stores when they are giving away free samples or purchase bonuses.

Unfortunately, genetics also blessed me with extremely sensitive skin. I have psoriasis, and frequently lotions and perfumes either cause me to break out into hives, or itch like a dog with fleas. As both itching and hives being extremely unattractive, I looked into natural and organic cosmetics a few years ago to solve my issues. I always had a negative image of the Body Shop caused by an Ex with a love of Tea Tree Oil. I still hate the smell of Tea Tree oil years later.

However, when I moved to Vermont, which is big-box store challenged as a state, there are very few global companies that manage to get a foothold in the local economy. The Body Shop is one of them. I wandered in out of desperation one day and discovered all of this beautifully scented stuff that upon application, didn’t make me itch like a demon. So I started a few bottles at a time. First I tried the body butters which are lotions made from all natural ingredients and harvested using free trade practices. The Vitamin E Body Butter is heaven-sent for psoriasis sufferers. Second, I tried the soaps, and like all products, are packaged in containers that can be 100% recycled. Then the makeup got a test drive, and besides stopping blemishes, it looks as good on as anything the high-end designer stores sell on shiny glass counters. My only complaint about the Body Shop is that the price points for most of the products that they produce are very high. But then I realize the lack of harsh chemicals and the ability to send soap residue down the drain without harming wildlife and filling our lakes and oceans with tiny plastic exfoliating beads makes the price much more attractive!

There is something to be said about not scrubbing and soothing your skin with harsh chemicals after all.

Since the products are more expensive, I tend to purchase less and choose wisely. Testers are available in every store for all of their products as well.

And here is the clincher – to use “green” products, you don’t have to head to the woods and rub yourself with aloe leaves. Just purchasing wisely and from stores that have a commitment to ending global warning and providing smart packaging is a leap into the right direction. Purchasing power is one of the best ways to achieve political power.

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