Here’s a little known fact about me. I actually trained as a makeup artist. I loved how a little powder could be transforming. But I ultimately decided that health transformations rather than just beauty transformations were my thing. So I got my masters in holistic nutrition and the rest is history!
But these two passions started to create an internal conflict. I love makeup and adore how it can make me feel. But I’m now very aware that everything in my favorite makeup might not be good for me. So what’s a somewhat vain, very health conscious, makeup loving girl to do?
Find a compromise, of course!
Dangerous Chemicals You’d Never Eat
According to geneticist, David Suzuki, there are many extremely dangerous chemicals found in cosmetics. This include carcinogens, pesticides, reproductive toxins and hormone disrupters. You do everything you can to keep these out of your mouth. But you’re letting them soak through your skin right into your blood stream. A healthy diet is only part of the equation for lowering your toxicity. Safeguarding what you put on your body is an essential part of the equation.
High Levels of Toxicity
There are many toxic chemicals found in popular makeup offerings. In the U.S., there are few regulations for chemicals used in makeup. Here are some commonly used toxins found in cosmetics.
- Phthalates
- Lead
- Formaldehyde
- Parabans
- Mercury
- Talc
- Polyethylene glycol (PEG)
These chemicals either disrupt the endocrine system, promote tumor growth, lower immunity or disrupt respiratory function. And in most cases, they are disruptive in a multitude of ways.
This is all sounding kind of scary, right? But the good news is that there are healthy alternatives. Now that you’re aware, you’re empowered to make better choices.
Makeup that Helps Heal
The downside to healthier makeup is that it can come with a higher price tag. Cheap cosmetics are cheap for a reason. And this is unfortunate because healthier makeup options should be attainable for everyone. You can find recipes for homemade makeup online. But since that isn’t my area of expertise, I’m going to share what I know best. And that is some of the great makeup lines that provide much better quality ingredients.
Here are a Few of My Personal Favorites
Couleur Caramel – This is a French brand that I’ve only found through one retailer here in the US. Hopefully it becomes more readily available. I especially love the mascara. This is the only natural mascara I’ve used that plumps my lashes while not running down my face.
Dr. Hauschka – This line use natural, non-GMO, clean ingredients that are at least 70% organic. And the company actually cultivates many of these natural ingredients in their own garden. I use many of their skin products, and I’ve had very good experiences with their makeup line as well!
100% Pure – The thing I love about this makeup line is that it is entirely organic. And the cosmetics get their coloring from fruit pigments. How cool is that? From my own experience, beware of wearing their products when going anywhere too rustic. Their makeup is so natural that it can seem like food to bugs! (But did I really need to be wearing mascara while hiking?)
Juice Beauty – The thing I like about this organic cosmetic line is that it’s easy to find. I’ve located this line in department stores, makeup stores and even at the market! (Whole Foods) This is another line that uses all organic ingredients with a long list of chemicals that they won’t use. And I especially love their lip glosses Anything you put on your lips will definitely get ingested so make sure it’s clean!
Searching for Clean Makeup
There are lots of brands that offer cleaner makeup. But when searching for more natural ingredients, be wary of taking a label at its word. Do some investigating before plunking down your cold hard cash. There are few regulations pertaining to labeling products (food or otherwise) as natural. Before you buy, check out the company and see for yourself if you find the ingredients to be truly natural.
Take Pride in What You Put on Your Skin
Makeup can make you look and feel great. But you want your beauty to be more than skin deep. We all have different budgets. Make the most of your dollars by finding the best quality products your budget can afford.
When I initially switched to more natural skin options, I decided to use less products. And the cost savings in buying fewer products allowed me to purchase better quality. But eating well and using more healing ingredients on my body gives me a natural glow. This means my skin requires fewer products to look vibrant!
What About You?
Are you aware of what’s in your makeup? If not, can you commit to find a healthier option for just one of your chemical filled favorites? Every little bit helps. Do something good for your body. Find ways to make your makeup regimen more natural and healing today.
I’ve used Juice Beauty before. This is very helpful. I have sensitive skin so checking ingredients is my first form of action. I will check out these other companies.
I have sensitive skin too and you really do have to be so careful.
Great post, Erica. I’ve found that as I get older, my eyes have become more sensitive to makeup, so I am definitely searching for more pure brands. I love the Arbonne brand, that is fully made of botanicals. but it is expensive, and I can’t always afford to buy it. So I then turn to the knowledgeable beauty consultants at my Shoppers Drop Mart and they steer me in the right direction.
Doreen, I’m glad you’ve found products that work for you.
You just cannot cut corners with make up. I stand by Mac foundation powder. I have never known a powder that sits so perfectiy on my skin. As cheesy as it sounds, it is like a second skin. Mac has a vast range of colours for all races.
Their powder is rather affordable at £22. I tend to go elsewhere for lipstick, blusher and mascara.
I used to use MAC when I was young, especially when I was acting. It is very effective on the stage.
Considering all the potential toxicity, I’m glad I’ve never worn makeup. I’m also glad you chose to pivot into nutrition because it makes you blog much more interesting and helpful to me.
Haha…yes, men sure are lucky on that one. Not wearing makeup also makes it so much easier to get out in the morning.
There were 3 things I stopped wearing when I quit corporate America, high heels, pantyhose, and makeup. I don’t miss the first two in the least and these days my primary focus is skincare (especially getting used to the colder/dryer weather of my new home!) but I do occasionally enjoy treating myself to a little color. I haven’t heard of the brands you listed, but I will definitely look for them. Thanks Erica!
I don’t wear pantyhose or high heels either. I literally can’t walk in heels because I have such a high arch in my foot. I’m always envious of those who can.
Being a no makeup girl must say your post gave me another point to ignore makeup. Will definitely share it with my friends and family!
Yes, no need to worry about this if you don’t wear makeup. I think women are under a lot of pressure to conform to a certain look. And you definitely want to be mindful of how to do this in a healthy way.
Cracking up at Ken, as usual. Like other commenters, I truly limit my makeup wearing but must admit I have never, ever looked at the L’Oreal and Revlon labels to see what is in the mascara I use. Since I rarely use anything more than that (and lip balm), I’m going to follow your rationale and try to buy the more organic options.
Ps. Sigh, I’ve even been known to don a pair of small earrings when hiking–in addition to the mascara. A gal’s gotta’ feel good, right?
I’m so glad I’m not alone in the “glammed up” hiking. Whew! And yes, it you only buy a couple products, you might as well at least check out the organic options!
Can’t really comment about make up, but can about organic products. For the most part they are much safer than chemicals. However, we must also remember they too can be powerful, and in some instance dangerous. Do not forget tobacco is an organic product.
That is a good one about tobacco, William. All organic isn’t healthy, especially for the skin. And you can also take a natural product and process it so that it isn’t really so natural anymore.
That’s so cool that you’re a trained MUA. Have you seen some of these beauty tutorials on YouTube? Those girls are amazing. I only hope that they’re using healthy products. I love makeup, and yes, often think about how many ounces of lipstick I’ve ingested over the years!
I’ve seen a few of those videos and they are much more talented in makeup than me for sure. And haha…it is best not to think about all that lipstick consumption.