Make-up Bag Makeover
Last year, I went through all of my make-up and found the health and safety ratings for each item in the Cosmetics Database. This is such a useful tool and I encourage 
everyone to check it out. Personally, I was surprised at the ratings and chemicals that were in products I put on my eyes, lips and face every day. Since that time, I’ve been working to replace all of my products starting with the biggest offenders – those that rated a 5 or higher. The scale goes from 0-10, 0 being safe and healthy and 10 being toxic and dangerous.
Although I’ve noticed more and more products marketed as safe, natural, organic and healthy in the beauty aisles the Cosmetics Database says otherwise. My first piece of advice is don’t trust the label. Second, run your make-up through the cosmetics database. You’ll see that many of the brands have a wide range of ratings depending on the product. Eye shadows with a low rating are harder to find than blush or powder foundation. Over time, I’ve found my make-up bag is stocked with more Bare Escentuals products than any other brand. They offer a large selection of safe products, it’s easy to find in stores and online, the color selections are beautiful and it looks great on!
If you find yourself in the cosmetics aisle with a product you just have to have here are a few things to watch out for. A long list of ingredients you can’t pronounce, parabens, any ingredient with “PEG” or “-eth”, oxybenzone, heavily scented products and formaldehyde (usually found in nail polish and nail polish remover.)
I know from experience that this can be an overwhelming task so I’ve included a list of my favorite brands below. These have a large selection of products ranking 3 or lower and are easy to find at department store make-up counters, Sephora and online:
Other brands that offer a variety of products that rate around a 3 include:
- Almay Pure Blends
- Giselle Cosmetics
- Physicians Formula
- Organic Wear
If you are committed to choosing beauty products that are good for you inside and out look for companies that have signed the Contract for Safe Cosmetics and are committed to offering products that are free of harmful chemicals. Some of them can be difficult to find in stores, but they are always available online.
For more infomation, check out past Make-Up Bag Monday posts. They touch on everything from cleansers to shampoo and include links to some of the safest products.
A Clean Slate – cleansers and moisturizers
A Healthy Foundation – powder, blush, eye shadow, lipstick and more
Healthy Hair – shampoo, conditioner, hairspray, gel, and color
Miscellaneous – lotions, fragrance, nail polish and more
Search your favorite make-up. Where does it come out on the 0-10 scale?
When I was a makeup artist I used Jane Iredale for years and I still love it! The mineral quality is like nothing else on the market! It photographs beautifully and stays on even if you go swimming in it!