Ever stop to read what's in that mascara you're putting on your eyelashes? There is the debate that oily store brand make up can block your pores, but they also contain several toxic chemicals too. Some deadly chemicals that we routinely expose ourselves to on a regular basis through our cosmetics include:
- Saccharin (carcinogenic)
- Talc (carcinogenic)
- Petrochemicals (carcinogenic)
- FD&C Blue No. 1 (carcinogenic)
- Propylene glycol (contact dermatitis)
- Butylated hydroxyanisole/BHA (carcinogenic)
- Triethanolamine (carcinogenic nitrosamines)
- Lanolin (possibly contaminated by pesticides)
Here's another frightening fact: Though prescription drugs have to be looked at and approved by the FDA for use, apart from a small handful of known harmful chemicals, any cosmetic manufacturer can put whatever the heck they want into that foundation or lip gloss you're using – and the FDA allows this to happen!1
This is why it is important to keep beauty as natural as possible. I'm not about to suggest that you stop wearing make up all together; heck, I know I certainly wouldn’t want to do that! Though a bit more expensive, these natural make up ideas will keep you beautiful from dawn to dusk while improving your skin.
Mineral Make Up
You've probably heard all about the wonders of mineral make up – and for a good reason! Mineral make up not only contains the natural minerals titanium dioxide and zinc oxide which act as a natural SPF 20 sun block, but it is also free of fragrances, preservatives, any colors and dyes as well as alcohols. All colors come straight from naturally-occurring iron oxide pigments.
TIP: Some mineral make up can still be irritating to those who have sensitive skin. If you have sensitive or easily irritated skin, look for mineral make up without bismuth oxychloride (a product added to give the make up that “shimmer” look).
Honey-Based Moisturizers
Anything with a whole 'lotta honey in it is going to be great for your skin. Honey not only acts as a cleansing agent for our skin, but it is also very nourishing and moisturizing. It also has anti-bacterial properties which keep skin clean and fresh.
TIP: Pass on the bubble baths and go for a honey bath! Just add ¼ of a cup to your warm bath and enjoy a sweet soak.
There are many companies out there which provide honey-based items (perhaps the most notable being Burt's Bees, which is 99.6% natural). As someone who has personally switched to these honey-based products (namely lip gloss and facial moisturizer), you will not be dissatisfied with the results.
More and more natural and organic cosmetics are entering the market and are proving to be just as effective as those hazardous classic store brands. Keep your skin happy and healthy while still staying beautiful and glamorous with natural and organic make up alternatives!
References
photo by Valentina Jori
