M.A.C cosmetics give you a perfect look and a flawless finish. It was a great choice for me…until last week.
I blog to get my readers to begin to ask questions about safe cosmetics, be aware of safe natural hair and skin products that give great results; if not better!
In my day job I sell fair trade products; as well as educate customers on the values of fairness and equality in the marketplace. Because of this, I’m becoming more cautious of what I choose to eat; as well as my choice of skin and hair care products. This is a recent shift; my only regret is not knowing this earlier.
I’ve wrestled with the probability of an all-natural make-up. However, is this even possible?
| African tribes such as the Himba’s of northern Namibia and the Wodaabe Fulani of Niger Republic use natural red Ochre to beautify themselves, so the answer is YES! |
Truth be told, today, there are many toxic chemicals in cosmetic products that have been clinically proven to cause cancer, tumors, irritation and many different skin disorders. (3)
Many problematic ingredients, including parabens, have always been legal to use in the U.S. and Canada. Only recently, when studies have drawn correlations between their use and breast cancer, has concern been raised. Up to this time, many — possibly most — makers of natural personal care products were not aware of the hazards of these ingredients. (1)
Helpful tips to protect you involve reading and interpreting labels. It takes a bit of work but it’s so worth it.
Personally I avoid cosmetics that contain parabens, artificial fragrances, chemical preservatives, talc, and artificial colours. Then what choice is left? They are many alternative choices that work –just as well. Keep reading…
MAC Blot Powder (pressed) - Mica, Dimethicone, Silica, Kaolin, Water, Sodium Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen, Methicone, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, Iron Oxides, Ultramarines. (2)
In my opinion, only a scientist can understand these ingredients!
|
Last week my dilemma was put to rest. I stumbled upon an all-natural makeup company “100% Pure” and the results are refreshingly amazing!
To start I bought their tinted moisturizer with vitamins and antioxidants, which is kind of a foundation but with lighter coverage. I wanted to try this product to see if I would react to any of the ingredients [natural or not!] Thankfully, I didn’t. To be honest, I’ve been pleasantly surprised at the results.
I’m so happy with it that I’ve asked my lovely husband to buy me their foundation and flawless skin foundation powder for my birthday, January 28!
The tinted moisturizer evens out my skin tone nicely and offers a truly natural finish. Its ingredients are as follows:
Pigments of Peach, Apricot, Carrot, Pomegranate, Cocoa Bean, Goji Berry and Tomato, White Tea, Cucumber Juice, Aloe Juice, Acai Oil and Pomegranate Oil, Vitamin E (a-tocopherol), Vitamin C (ascorbyl palmitate), Rice Starch, Candelilla Wax, Extracts of Rosemary, Oregano, Thyme, Grapefruit Seed, Japanese Honeysuckle, Goldenseal and Cinnamon
SUNSCREEN ACTIVE INGREDIENTS: 15% Titanium Dioxide & 10% Zinc Oxide. (3)
Sounds better!
How to Check for Toxins in Your Products?
In a massive undertaking, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) analyzed the health and safety reviews of 10,000 ingredients in personal care products. The EWG discovered that there is scant research available to document the safety or health risks of low-dose repeated exposures to chemical mixtures. But the absence of data should never be mistaken for proof of safety. The EWG points out that the more we study low-dose exposures, the more we understand that they can cause adverse effects ranging from the subtle and reversible, to effects that are more serious and permanent. (1)
I use the EWG Skin deep database and safe cosmetics.org frequently to decrypt safe ingredients!
Get Involved
Purchase from the list of companies dedicated to safe products: http://safecosmetics.org/downloads/Compact_Signers_12.15.pdf
Quote of the week
“Consumers have real power they are not exercising, we need to let cosmetic companies know we’re not going to buy their products unless they make a strong unwavering commitment to safety.”
Janet Nudelman, Safe Cosmetics Campaign. (1)
Janet Nudelman, Safe Cosmetics Campaign. (1)
Sources
Ephraim, Rebecca. The Ugly Side of Pretty. Safecosmetics.org. Dragon Fly Media. 1 February 2005. Web. 15 January. 2012
Strickland, Barbara. Safe Cosmetics, Powder. Zerozits.com. Sage Advice. 10 October 2005. Web. 15 January. 2012.
“100% Pure Frequently Asked Questions.” 100percentpure.ca, n.d. Web. 15 January. 2012
Farlow, Christine H. How to Make Sure Your Cosmetics and Personal Care Products Are Safe. www.naturalingredient.org, n.d. Web. 15 January. 2012.
(c) Shakara Natural Tips January 17th 2012
Love your blog! Awesome info, thanks!
ReplyDeleteAww thanks! keep reading, there's more coming ;) Shakara
Delete