Starting a cosmetics business in Europe is not an easy thing to do. Everything is regulated and everything needs to be safe. Starting a cosmetics business in US is a lot easier, nothing seems to be regulated and it’s safe if the manufacturer tells you it’s safe. My daughters and I are working hard on our business plans and for the moment it seems we will be selling both in Europe and in the US. This means we will have a lot of work before we are at a stage where we can open the doors to our shop.
I’ve never used a lot of cosmetics, haven’t had the money or the energy, but I’ve always lived under the impression that the products we have on the market now are pretty safe. Researching for products to sell showed me that this isn’t necessarily the case. I believe in trying to keep the nature clean and every time when it’s possible I choose ecological products. I’m not fanatic about it though. Jumping on every new trend without giving it a lot of thought might be like throwing the baby out with the bathwater. There is no turning back, we can’t make people go back in time a hundred years ago and think that will save the planet. I think we need to use common sense when we choose ecological products, sometimes a natural ingredient is better than a synthetic and sometimes it’s the other way around.
What’s your take on green living, organic and ecological products? Do you think these products are only a marketing trick or do you think we can make the world a little greener place to live in by choosing organic products?
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January 17th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
To be honest, I find myself wondering how any previous generations ever survived. I know that life-spans have increased, and for the most part, people are healthier. But where did the urgent need for everything organic come from. It seems that something is added to the list of things that are dangerous, or bad for us, on a daily or weekly basis. I’m starting to feel a little paranoid.
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January 17th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
I do believe that some of the organic or natural products that are offered are just a new way to market an old product. Everything can not have turned bad for us in such a short time. But when it comes to cosmetics, I do believe we have used a lot of products that aren’t good for us. More and more people become allergic to a lot of things and that should tell us something. Natural and organic cosmetics is probably a good alternative for people who doesn’t want to put a lot of chemicals on their skin. On the other hand, many are allergic to products based on natural ingredients, so there need to be different kinds of products.
If we change our living every time we read a report on something new that’s bad for us life would become impossible… after reading about different types of cosmetics, I’m becoming a little paranoid too
January 18th, 2008 at 1:38 am
you have to pick and choose with some research..some are good others are just a marketing ploy..in regards cosmetics..not my area of expertise….:)
January 18th, 2008 at 7:18 am
Sometimes it’s good to read the actual research report too, media has got a tendency to only pick the juicy parts.
According to the newest reports men are going to start using cosmetics more and more (anti-aging products are something men will start buying according to the reports), so maybe you should start checking cosmetics out
January 18th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
i don’t know if it’s a gimmick or not but, trying to live a little green certainly can’t hurt!!
January 20th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
Better be safe than sorry
The organic products in Finland are often more expensive than normal products. I don’t want to pay more for a product if it doesn’t make a different. My biggest concern is that natural and organic is used to make consumers pay more for products that doesn’t make a difference.
January 27th, 2008 at 1:48 am
There is certainly a great deal to be said about all natural and organic. Look at the rise in organic produce, health food stores, bottle water, soy milk (I think they should call it soy juice), natural deodorants, ad infinitum. It is my personal belief that green, natural, organic, or whatever you want to call it can be marketed. It’s all about creating the want through identifying unrealized needs. Green works. All natural works and organic works.
One of the things you have to figure out is what will be your USP (Unique Selling Proposition).
My answer to your closing question is a resounding “Yes!”
Hawk’s last blog post..Walking alone? . . .
January 27th, 2008 at 1:52 am
Part 2: I forgot to mention I have not generally been one of those too concerned about organic grown produce and other foods, however, in recent months, I’ve been more conscious about this and lately, I have been visiting a natural food store in the area and have been periodically picking up things. Cereal bars, cereals, and an assortment of other things. Surprisingly, they taste better and my kids are enjoying what I have been shoveling their way. Go figure.
Hawk’s last blog post..Walking alone? . . .
January 31st, 2008 at 7:31 am
Hawk, I started buying ecological fair trade coffee and I think it tastes better than “normal” coffee. I don’t know if it tastes better because it’s expensive, but I like it and will stay with it
February 5th, 2008 at 1:27 am
I’m becoming more and more of a fan of green living. Although my individual part may be small, if everyone (or at least more people) did their part, maybe collectively we can make a difference and leave a better earth for our children and grandchildren.
February 16th, 2008
One of the most common excuses for not doing something is that people think one person doesn’t make a difference… but if all people think like that there will never be any changes happening.