Makeup

There are a lot of dangers lurking in our makeup. Let's look at a few. Talc, found in eyeshadow, foundation, and lipstick, is a mineral substance that absorbs moisture, smooths and softens products, prevents caking, and makes makeup opaque. The International Agency for Research on Cancer lists talc containing asbestos as carcinogenic to humans. Asbestos was found in the lung tissue and lymph nodes of women using cosmetic powders containing talc. Talc use is linked to endometrial and ovarian cancer. Talc exposure is also linked to mesothelioma. Mica, used as color additive in makeup, is a mineral dust that provides the shimmery effect. It's also used as a filler in cement and asphalt and as insulation material in electrical cables. Long-term inhalation of mica dust can cause lung scarring which leads to symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, weakness, and weight loss. There are a ton more I could discuss but we would be here all day. Let's talk about more important things, like companies that sell makeup without these ingredients...

Beautycounter is a chemical free makeup and skincare line. It was created by a wife and mother who decided to do something about the fact that 1in 2 men, and 1 in 3 women, will be diagnosed with cancer. Her mission is to get safer products into the hands of everyone. At Beautycounter, they banned 1,500 ingredients setting a new health and safety standard. Their five step formula sets them apart from the rest. They ban intentionally, screen rigorously, learn constantly, source responsibly, and share transparently. I'm a huge fan of the lip gloss in peony. I don't wear eye makeup at all anymore but when I did, I was also a fan of their color shade eye duo in pearl/champagne. You have to buy it from a consultant and I'm lucky enough to have a friend that is a consultant!
http://www.beautycounter.com/georgianncollins/#

RMS Beauty breaks away from the pack of natural makeup. The line is not only non-toxic, but it also heals and nourishes the skin. The founder spent many years in the fashion and makeup industry. She learned a lot about the impact of daily exposure to chemicals in beauty care products. RMS beauty products are formulated with raw, food-grade and organic ingredients in their natural state. J Crew used to carry this line and that's where I first saw it. While shopping in Philadelphia last summer, I snagged the buriti bronzer on clearance at J Crew. I love it! J Crew no longer carries it but I have seen it on Sephora.com or you can buy it online. http://www.rmsbeauty.com

If you insist on shopping at Sephora (I totally get it, no judgement here) try to buy products from the below companies. While these companies aren't 100% chemical free, they are more cautious about their ingredients. Im a firm believer that every little bit helps...

Tarte Cosmetics - All Tarte products are formulated without parabens, mineral oil, sodium laurel sulfate, triclosan, synthetic fragrances, and gluten. They are cruelty free which is a huge plus in my book. Maureen Kelly started Tarte out of her one bedroom apartment in 1999. I love stories like this! 

Cover FX - All Cover FX products are free of parabens, gluten, mineral oil, fragrance, and talc. Also a cruelty free company. I used to love MAC products, especially their studio fix powder. Cover FX was founded by one of the same guys who served as the chief chemist and co-founder of MAC. Cover FX's pressed mineral foundation powder is almost identical to MAC's studio fix powder but without the above chemicals.

Bite Beauty - All Bite Beauty lip products are free of parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrance, synthetic dyes, petrochemicals, phthalates, GMO, and triclosan. Because you eat what you put on your lips, Bite Beauty uses real ingredients. All products are handmade in house and never outsourced. Their lipsticks, called Amuse Bouche, come in 34 shades. I have it in radish and it's gorgeous!

Josie Maran Cosmetics - Most of the Josie Maran cosmetics are free of petroleum, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and fragrance. Most of them also contain her signature ingredient, 100% Pure Argan Oil. This fair trade oil is grown and harvested responsibly by co-ops of Moroccan women who earn a living wage. Josie Maran is committed to natural, earth-friendly beauty.