"Craft" is a trendy term these days. Think craft beer. But, local artisanry isn't reserved for a cold, sudsy brew. Now, "craft beauty" is all the buzz, too.
Users include people like Dianne Duva. She is picky about the products she puts on her skin. So, she's totally gone back to basics.
"I've incorporated craft beauty products almost exclusively into my beauty regimen," says Duva.
She isn't the only one crazy for craft. Beauty expert to the stars Stacy Cox is seeing the trend, too. She says there's no standard definition, but typically products are handcraft by small, independent companies, and are made with primarily organic or natural ingredients that are often locally grown.
"What they are focusing on predominantly is using natural ingredients, things that don't have a lot of chemical or preservatives, things that are not tested on animals," Cox said.
And, most often, they're made in small batches. Entrepreneur Kristin Fraser creates her custom skin and hair care products almost daily.
"Small batches are so important because it give us so much control over what we're going to make," Fraser says.
You'll find craft soaps, lotions, shampoos, and cosmetics that tout ingredients like lemongrass, lavender, and grapeseed. While you can buy in boutiques or at farmers' markets, many brands sell online. Experts tell us that millennials are leading the demand.
"When I go shopping for food and beauty products I view them to be very much one and the same," Duva said.
But beauty products are not regulated the same as food. The FDA has no definition for organic when it comes to cosmetics and reminds consumers that "an ingredient's source does not determine its safety."
Dianne researches her products and plans to keep getting crafty. She says, "It's a way you can know where the products you're putting on your skin, where they come from."
So, how do you know which products are right for you? Beauty expert Stacy Cox says as with any cosmetics, she suggests doing a "patch test" on a small, hidden part of your skin to make sure you don't have an adverse reaction. And, Cox says check expiration dates, since small batch products often have a small shelf life.
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