Eco Cosmetics: GREEN is Beautiful

When I think of chemicals in my home, or how to avoid them, my first thought is of my home cleaning products. We all know they are so toxic that we have to lock them in a cabinet or sequester them to a far reaching dark corner, far far away from the kids. ( More on this soon!) Yet on a daily basis, ladies and gents, we come into contact with up to 200 chemicals, and we rub them all over our skin! The average person uses up to 25 cosmetic and personal care products per day, exposing themselves to many harmful ingredients. For example, some mascaras contain a preservative called thimersol, a derivative of mercury. Certain fragrances in creams cover up phlalates, which can disrupt thryoid function. And formaldehyde has been found in foundation makeup, for freshness.(No wonder some women look like mummies!) A general review of the products in your medicine cabinet will most likely locate these and many more.

Luckily, we don't have to revert back to Elizabethean times and resort to beet juice and vegetable dyes. A few interesting products have emerged that I felt were worth sharing.

JOSIE MARAN COSMETICS. Other than being the first person to be kicked off "Dancing with the Stars" this season, I had no idea who this person was. Nevertheless, she has done well by creating a full line of cosmetics that are responsibly developed, free from parabens, petrochemicals, and toxins. Most of the packaging is biodegradable and they list every ingredient in each product on their website, at www.josiemarancosmetics.com. You can also see her products exclusively at Barney's NY. It's worth a look.

SAFFRON ROUGE. This website is like an online Sephora, with lots of makeup to choose from, and a plethora of personal care products. A visit to their site reveals that most of their products are from overseas. Apparently, Britain, Germany and other nations have been busy working on products like this since they have known for years what I am telling you today. Duh- we're a little slow here in the US...

ORIGINS ORGANICS. This is a new line of personal care products most of which are certified organic by the USDA. Origins features shampoos and conditioner, body soap, moisterizers, toners, lip balm, and massage oils. They are blended with essential oils and smell sooo wonderful. www.origins.com.

100PERCENTPURE. These cosmetics and other products are made with 100% natural ingredients, many which contain a healthy shot of anti-oxidants as well as organic fruit. This company has been featured on QVC network, and their body scrubs and shower gels look simply delicious! Also, check out their Elizabethean-esque lip glosses and cheek tints that contain pure fruit pigments, patent pending. Maybe they did have the right idea back then?!

TOM'S OF MAINE. This is not a cosmetics company, but I feel so strongly about the quality of their products and the quality of the company that I feel compelled to plug them again. Tom's puts out superior toothpastes, deoderants, and mouthwash products and I would especially recommend the natural flouride Children's toothpaste, since traditional children's toothpaste is loaded with mysterious flavoring and artificial coloring (and Lord knows what else).

Go through your makeup bag, throw out that mascara that's been in there for 6 months, and buy the eco version. Going green has never been so beautiful, naturally.

If you are interested in more details about the chemicals found in your cosmetics, check out www.thegreenguide.com and www.safecosmetics.org.