Lets talk makeup.
As a mom, I have a love hate relationship with makeup. I love it because when I put it on I feel good; I feel ready for the day and put together. I hate it because I have to take the time to put it on! Seriously, I try to take the time each day to look put together but some days its doesn’t happen as planned. That being said, when I do have time, I like to have good and non-toxic options that actually work in my makeup bag. It is important to me that the products I am slathering on my skin (almost) every day are not carcinogenic and filled with all kinds of toxins. It might sound crazy but, you know that foundation you are using? It could be a part of why your hormones are out of whack! That lipstick? Could have lead and nasty dyes which are secretly stressing your liver. I am not saying this to scare you. I want you to know because there are better options!
The beauty industry is one of the most unregulated industries we as women deal with each day. It is literally self regulated. The FDA doesn’t have any real power to stop a company from changing a product or ingredient, they can merely suggest it.
Here are some excerpts from the FDA website on beauty products…
“The law does not require cosmetic products and ingredients, other than color additives, to have FDA approval before they go on the market…”
“Companies and individuals who manufacture or market cosmetics have a legal responsibility to ensure the safety of their products. Neither the law nor FDA regulations require specific tests to demonstrate the safety of individual products or ingredients. The law also does not require cosmetic companies to share their safety information with FDA.”
“FDA has consistently advised manufacturers to use whatever testing is necessary to ensure the safety of their products and ingredients.”
“Recalls of cosmetics are voluntary actions taken by manufacturers or distributors to remove from the marketplace products that represent a hazard or gross deception, or that are somehow defective (21 CFR 7.40(a). FDA is not authorized to order recalls of cosmetics, but we do monitor companies that conduct a product recall and may request a product recall if the firm is not willing to remove dangerous products from the market without FDA’s written request.”
Are you surprised? I was!
Don’t worry, you don’t have to go make up free! You aren’t the only one concerned about this issue. There are some really great companies putting out some amazing products that are non-toxic and work well. Yes, I admit, sometimes you have to make a sacrifice for the non-toxic version BUT these products aren’t like they used to be!
Back when I first started using non-toxic makeup there were only a few options and most things were henna based so if you didn’t have an olive complexion…so sad for you! After several years of trying I went back to the old toxic stuff because I didn’t want to look like an Ooompa Loompa for the rest of my life. I started looking into clean beauty again last year and was pleasantly surprised to see how the industry has changed. Pretty, professional, affordable, and effective! WOOHOO! Now there are so many options it can be overwhelming so I wanted to share a few of my favorite products here.
A couple tips when looking for clean makeup.
- Don’t be fooled by greenwashing. Just because something says “natural” or “clean” doesn’t mean it really is. Look at the ingredients. Use the Think Dirty App and EWG’s Skin Deep database to look up ingredients and products. Sometimes you will get mixed messages, that is ok. Look at why the ratings differ. Look up the individual ingredients and then go with the one you feel most comfortable with wearing. There are tons of great bloggers and YouTubers talking about green beauty too. See what they recommend.
- Vegan and Cruelty-Free don’t mean non-toxic. This is the easiest way to be fooled in the clean beauty world. A vegan label means just that – it is all plant based. There are tons of toxic chemicals that are plant based so do your research. Cruelty-free is the same way. Just because something wasn’t tested on animals doesn’t make it non-toxic.
- Don’t be afraid to shop online. Most of us are used to being able to go in and actually try on products. Why do you think the mall has all those makeup counters! This isn’t really possible with clean beauty so most companies have a sample option where you can choose product samples first before buying. Many companies have good return policies too. My fave online stores are Detox Market, Integrity Botanicals, Citrine Beauty Bar, Credo & Follain A couple of these actually have store fronts so look up what is available in your city.
- Don’t give up! It is easy to get discouraged when the first few foundations aren’t your favorite or you miss your old lipstick shade. It is worth it to keep looking for the products you love. Keep trying! If it was something for your kids you probably wouldn’t give up so easily! Your health is worth it too!
Hopefully those tips are helpful. Feel free to contact me if you have questions. I have tried a lot of makeup 🙂 Speaking of which, on to my faves…First you should know a little about me. I am all about easy “5 Minute Face” style makeup with a few special event options thrown in for when I have the time. I have good skin generally but it can get very dry in the winter and super oily in the summer. As I age, the dryness has gotten worse. Mascara is my number one must have makeup item!
Now that you know a little bit about me lets talk about my favorite products! I have used all of these for at least 6 months so these are not first impressions.
MASCARA
Honest Beauty Mascara – I tried several brands of mascara before adding this one to my diaper bundle. I didn’t have high expectations but I thought it was worth a try. I LOVE IT! It is a two part system with a primer on one end and the mascara on the other. At $14.99 (or less if you add it to a bundle) it is very comparable to even a drugstore mascara but without the nasty ingredients. They recently changed the packaging and I am hoping that doesn’t mean they changed the formula. I will let you know if I find that they did.
BLUSH
Living Libations Maiden Fern Blushing Balm – This is more of an old school style blush but I really like it. The color is good for many skin tones (it looks super bright but you can tone it down by using less) and it can also be used on your lips. The ingredients are so clean you could eat them! One thing to know is that because it has some cayenne in it, there can be a tingle when applied. I noticed it at first but now I don’t. I really like this blush for when my skin is dry. One con- it may not last as long as a conventional blush so if you need long wear you will need to reapply. Great product though!
EYESHADOW
Silk Naturals Matte Eyeshadows – These are some of the most affordable eyeshadows I have seen anywhere – conventional or clean! I love matte shadows so I have tried those mostly and have been very happy with them. A few faves – Heroine, Vex, Thunder & Harmonius. All eyeshadows are loose powder. You can get sets or individual colors. You can also order samples but at $4.50 a color you really can’t go wrong! Check out their other products too.
BROW
UPDATED- 02/2020
I originally listed Glossier’s Boy Brow as my go-to brow product. I have since found other “cleaner” options that I prefer.
If you are looking for a dupe for Boy Brow I HIGHLY recommend 100% Pure’s Green Tea Fiber Brow Builder. $23
If you prefer a wax then I can’t say enough about Ecco Brow. $26 but it lasts forever because all you need is just a bit. I apply using this Lily Lolo angled brow brush.
LIP GLOSS
Kjaer Weis Lipgloss – This is the most expensive product on the list but I can say without hesitation – It. Is. Worth. It. I LOVE this lipgloss. My favorite shade is Tenderness because it is basically my lip color so it is a perfect neutral pink for me. I have also tried Fascination and while it is a little more orange-leaning than I expected. I still like it. The gloss is so good to your lips. If I am wearing this product I don’t even have to worry about chapstick or balms. The ingredients are super clean and the packaging is refillable so once you own one tube you can buy the refills (for less $$) and refill! The main con is that they don’t have that many shades but honestly since it is just a gloss you could use it with a brighter lipstick to get some different color. A must have!
BONUS
RMS “Un”powder – This is an absolutely fantastic finishing powder. My sister is the queen of powder and she says this one is better than all her old brands! Clean ingredients and it also comes in multiple shades if you don’t like the traditional white. It lasts all day and keeps your t-zone free of oil. Love it!
So these are my top 5 products. I am still on the hunt for my #1 foundation and concealer so be looking for posts about those in the future. I am very picky!
What products are you loving? Be sure and comment!
Feel free to buy using my affiliate links at no extra charge.
I haven’t done the research. What do you think of Jane Iredale products?
I am a fan of Jane Iredale. She has some great products and has been a leader in non-toxic makeup. I have used her tinted moisturizer and really liked it. I also like her eyeshadows for a pressed option. Anything JI is worth a try.