Mineral makeup has been getting so much publicity lately that everyone wants a piece of it. Company after company creates a new mineral make up brand touting its naturalness and confusing the issue of mineral makeup vs organic. I’ve been asked questions whether mineral makeup is organic.
Let’s clear up a few terms.
Organic, as is used when referring to food or products such as organic mascara can only refer to plant ingredients, because it is really a way of farming.
Minerals, on the other hand are not plants. They are simply naturally occurring solids.
So when it comes to mineral makeup, you are not looking for organic. You can’t organically farm minerals. They are a given from earth’s geological processes.
When it comes to products like organic mascara, minerals may be used for its various properties, such as color (various Iron Oxides are popular for that).
There are many minerals that are considered safe, therefore if you see them included in your organic mascara you don’t need to be concerned. Which is not to say that all mineral makeup brands are created equal. Many add the same synthetic preservatives, colors and fragrances that make people turn away from traditional makeup in the first place.
Another thing to look out for is the size of the minerals. In general, it is recommended that you avoid anything containing nanoparticles. The reason being is that when the minerals are crashed so finely they acquire different properties than they did at their standard size and may pose a health risk.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Friday, March 13, 2009
Why You Should Look for Organic Mascara
The last drop that made me shift to organic mascara was when I learned that there are still some companies that have the audacity to use a preservative in regular mascara that is derived from mercury. While I’ve been crazy trying to avoid fish, checking the baby thermometers are feeling smug watching documentaries about misguided ancient emperors, I was shocked to learn that thimerosal, a mercury derived preservative is used to keep some mascaras fresh and bacteria-free.
Now, let’s get it straight. Mercury in mascara is rare. In fact, I don’t even know what brands have it.
But it is still just a bit shocking that here we are in the 21st century knowing what we know about the damage this heavy metal can cause to the brain function and there is a preservative on the market that is derived from it.
Beauty industry is furious over the whole controversy. “We haven’t been using mercury in ages!” and “only two cake mascara brands have been implicated” is all you hear from them…
But had the beauty industry being more transparent and proactive in removing dangerous chemicals, this issue would never have implicated anybody. Instead, it’s the fact that this is the tip of the iceberg that bothers people. So you don’t have mercury? Fine… What do you have? What are the ingredients in your mascara? Do you have any proof that these ingredients are not linked to cancer or other health concerns?
If there is one thing that came out of this controversy, it is that people started paying closer attention to the ingredients on their makeup. And the what they read is not too pretty.
Here is a list of mascara ingredients from a very popular brand taken from the cosmeticsdatabase.com
Ingredients: Water, Beeswax, C18-36 Acid Triglyceride, Glyceryl Stearate, Copernicia Cerifera Wax (Carnauba), Stearic Acid, Alcohol Denat., Polyisobutene, Isododecane, VP/VA Copolymer, Glycerin, Silica, Ethyl Trisiloxane, C10-30 Cholesterol/Lanesterol Ester, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil (Meadowfoam), Olea Europaea Fruit Oil (Olive), Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil (Sweet Almond), Myristic Acid, Isostearic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Triethanolamine, Trisodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Fragrance, May also contain: Iron Oxides, Black 2
Let’s see what we have here:
Methylparaben – allergies, toxicity, irritation (and this is in an eye product!)…
Propylparaben – developmental/reproductive toxicity…
Fragrance – don’t even get me started. Fragrance is a catch-all term for thousands of potential synthetic chemicals
Triethanolamine – cancer, allergies, toxicity
Do we really need to go on?
I don’t know… you can sort of read it for yourself. I can’t see how anybody would want that on their eyes…
Now compare that to organic mascara by SukiColor:
Ingredients: purified water, organic sunflower seed oil, sorbitol, cetearyl alcohol, beeswax, hydrogenated palm kernel glycerides, hydrogenated palm glycerides, organic rose hip seed oil, evening primrose oil, organic food-grade non-gmo lecithin, organic mixed tocopherols, pure rose wax, organic rose extract in food-grade ethyl alcohol, organic food-grade xanthan gum, sodium hydroxide, fragrance (made from only pure, steam-distilled essential oils) [may contain: mica, titanium dioxide, iron oxides]
I think the difference is loud and clear.
This is why I stick to organic.
And I urge you to do the same.
Now, let’s get it straight. Mercury in mascara is rare. In fact, I don’t even know what brands have it.
But it is still just a bit shocking that here we are in the 21st century knowing what we know about the damage this heavy metal can cause to the brain function and there is a preservative on the market that is derived from it.
Beauty industry is furious over the whole controversy. “We haven’t been using mercury in ages!” and “only two cake mascara brands have been implicated” is all you hear from them…
But had the beauty industry being more transparent and proactive in removing dangerous chemicals, this issue would never have implicated anybody. Instead, it’s the fact that this is the tip of the iceberg that bothers people. So you don’t have mercury? Fine… What do you have? What are the ingredients in your mascara? Do you have any proof that these ingredients are not linked to cancer or other health concerns?
If there is one thing that came out of this controversy, it is that people started paying closer attention to the ingredients on their makeup. And the what they read is not too pretty.
Here is a list of mascara ingredients from a very popular brand taken from the cosmeticsdatabase.com
Ingredients: Water, Beeswax, C18-36 Acid Triglyceride, Glyceryl Stearate, Copernicia Cerifera Wax (Carnauba), Stearic Acid, Alcohol Denat., Polyisobutene, Isododecane, VP/VA Copolymer, Glycerin, Silica, Ethyl Trisiloxane, C10-30 Cholesterol/Lanesterol Ester, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil (Meadowfoam), Olea Europaea Fruit Oil (Olive), Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil (Sweet Almond), Myristic Acid, Isostearic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Triethanolamine, Trisodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Fragrance, May also contain: Iron Oxides, Black 2
Let’s see what we have here:
Methylparaben – allergies, toxicity, irritation (and this is in an eye product!)…
Propylparaben – developmental/reproductive toxicity…
Fragrance – don’t even get me started. Fragrance is a catch-all term for thousands of potential synthetic chemicals
Triethanolamine – cancer, allergies, toxicity
Do we really need to go on?
I don’t know… you can sort of read it for yourself. I can’t see how anybody would want that on their eyes…
Now compare that to organic mascara by SukiColor:
Ingredients: purified water, organic sunflower seed oil, sorbitol, cetearyl alcohol, beeswax, hydrogenated palm kernel glycerides, hydrogenated palm glycerides, organic rose hip seed oil, evening primrose oil, organic food-grade non-gmo lecithin, organic mixed tocopherols, pure rose wax, organic rose extract in food-grade ethyl alcohol, organic food-grade xanthan gum, sodium hydroxide, fragrance (made from only pure, steam-distilled essential oils) [may contain: mica, titanium dioxide, iron oxides]
I think the difference is loud and clear.
This is why I stick to organic.
And I urge you to do the same.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Physicians Formula Organic Wear Mascara
Physicians Formula has done it again. A mainstream company targeting mainstream stores released a pure natural mascara that is good for your lashes and does the mascara job!
Some reviewers have actually gone on to say that it is the best natural mascara on the market.
I wouldn’t go that far, simply because I haven’t tried every organic mascara out there. But from the ones I did try, I have to say this one delivers.
The Organic Wear mascara is 100% Free of Harsh Chemicals, Synthetic Preservatives, Parabens, Clumping, Smudging, Flaking, Fibers & Dyes.
Even the brush is recyclable.
Not to mention that it is 100% fragrance free and hypoallergenic.
And it comes at a really cheap price point – just about $10 US!
If you’ve never tried a natural or organic mascara before, this is your chance. No need to purchase online. No need to go to a health food store which may not actually be near you. Just pick it up next time you are in the pharmacy or doing your regular Wal-Mart type shopping. Your eyes will thank you.
Heck, if you don’t like it, Wal-Mart takes things back without any hassle. What do you have to lose?
Some reviewers have actually gone on to say that it is the best natural mascara on the market.
I wouldn’t go that far, simply because I haven’t tried every organic mascara out there. But from the ones I did try, I have to say this one delivers.
The Organic Wear mascara is 100% Free of Harsh Chemicals, Synthetic Preservatives, Parabens, Clumping, Smudging, Flaking, Fibers & Dyes.
Even the brush is recyclable.
Not to mention that it is 100% fragrance free and hypoallergenic.
And it comes at a really cheap price point – just about $10 US!
If you’ve never tried a natural or organic mascara before, this is your chance. No need to purchase online. No need to go to a health food store which may not actually be near you. Just pick it up next time you are in the pharmacy or doing your regular Wal-Mart type shopping. Your eyes will thank you.
Heck, if you don’t like it, Wal-Mart takes things back without any hassle. What do you have to lose?
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Natural Organic Mascara - SukiColor
Another popular organic mascara on the market is Suki Rich Pigment Mascara made by SukiColor. This mascara is 100% natural. It doesn’t clump and doesn’t smear. Infused with rose hip and other potent botanicals is like a vitamin spa for the lashes.
On top of the fact that this mascara gets the job done, it also smells great. But not due synthetic fragrances or anything. They are made exclusively from pure steam-distilled essential oils.
It comes in two amazing colors – copper brown and black velvet. I find that the brown shade works great for a daytime natural look, while the black velvet is for the fancy evening occasions.
And some really creative ladies are even using this mascara as an eyeliner! It’s only a matter of finding the proper narrow firm brush.
SukiColor is known for producing high quality natural and organic makeup. Their motto is 100% pure and if you look at the ingredients, you’ll be very pleased. No paraffin in site. No parabens. No PEGs.
Suki products are made by hand, small batches at a time. They were inspired by the owner’s own struggle with exzema, so she had to find a pure natural solution. And now these wonderful products are loved and endorsed by women everywhere, including gorgeous celebrities like Eva Longoria and Thandie Newton.
This mascara is also really easy to find. It is available in most health stores and everywhere online. In fact, if you browse online you can frequently get a really good deal. You could even try ebay.
So there you go. Another perfectly natural mascara. Don’t let people tell you that it doesn’t exist!
On top of the fact that this mascara gets the job done, it also smells great. But not due synthetic fragrances or anything. They are made exclusively from pure steam-distilled essential oils.
It comes in two amazing colors – copper brown and black velvet. I find that the brown shade works great for a daytime natural look, while the black velvet is for the fancy evening occasions.
And some really creative ladies are even using this mascara as an eyeliner! It’s only a matter of finding the proper narrow firm brush.
SukiColor is known for producing high quality natural and organic makeup. Their motto is 100% pure and if you look at the ingredients, you’ll be very pleased. No paraffin in site. No parabens. No PEGs.
Suki products are made by hand, small batches at a time. They were inspired by the owner’s own struggle with exzema, so she had to find a pure natural solution. And now these wonderful products are loved and endorsed by women everywhere, including gorgeous celebrities like Eva Longoria and Thandie Newton.
This mascara is also really easy to find. It is available in most health stores and everywhere online. In fact, if you browse online you can frequently get a really good deal. You could even try ebay.
So there you go. Another perfectly natural mascara. Don’t let people tell you that it doesn’t exist!
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Organic Mascara - Dr. Hauschka
Dr. Hauschka Organic Mascara is one of the first natural mascaras to hit the market. It created quite a stir when it first came out. It won the second place for category of Product of the Year at Bio-Fach in 1997. Bio-Fach, by the way, is the most prestigious natural products trade show in the world.
This organic mascara is available in black, brown and blue. I'm sure you've heard that blue mascara is all the rage lately, while black and brown will never go out of style.
Dr. Hauschka has also added a volume mascara to the line. That one is also available in three colors – black, golden green and aubergine.
Of course, since this is not a synthetic products, you cannot expect it to go on the eyes and stay forever. But for a natural product it performs really well. And a bonus point is that if during application you accidentally get some in your eye it won’t sting you like a regular mascara would.
Most women find that the volume mascara is more smudge resistant. One of the complaints with the original mascara was that it was smudgy, but the new volume formula has addressed that issue. Nevertheless, give it a bit of time to dry after application. And DON’T RUB YOUR EYES!
Dr. Haushka products are BDIH certified natural, so you can be sure that there are no parabens and useless synthetics going on your eyes.
These mascaras are also opthalmologically and dermatologically tested. Non of the products are ever tested on animals
In 2008 this organic mascara earned Elle 2008 Green Star for Best Mascara. It was also profiled in the National Geographic’s Green Guide.
In short, if you are looking for organic mascara, this is the one to start with. You can get it in your local health store, at WholeFoods, online at stores like amazon.com, saffronrouge.com, skinbotanica.com and many more.
This organic mascara is available in black, brown and blue. I'm sure you've heard that blue mascara is all the rage lately, while black and brown will never go out of style.
Dr. Hauschka has also added a volume mascara to the line. That one is also available in three colors – black, golden green and aubergine.
Of course, since this is not a synthetic products, you cannot expect it to go on the eyes and stay forever. But for a natural product it performs really well. And a bonus point is that if during application you accidentally get some in your eye it won’t sting you like a regular mascara would.
Most women find that the volume mascara is more smudge resistant. One of the complaints with the original mascara was that it was smudgy, but the new volume formula has addressed that issue. Nevertheless, give it a bit of time to dry after application. And DON’T RUB YOUR EYES!
Dr. Haushka products are BDIH certified natural, so you can be sure that there are no parabens and useless synthetics going on your eyes.
These mascaras are also opthalmologically and dermatologically tested. Non of the products are ever tested on animals
In 2008 this organic mascara earned Elle 2008 Green Star for Best Mascara. It was also profiled in the National Geographic’s Green Guide.
In short, if you are looking for organic mascara, this is the one to start with. You can get it in your local health store, at WholeFoods, online at stores like amazon.com, saffronrouge.com, skinbotanica.com and many more.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Organic Mascara
The demand for organic mascara has been rising exponentially. But finding one is still sometimes difficult. Where to look? None of the major department store brands provide it.
Luckily there has been a slow and steady growth in cosmetics companies who actually focus on organic makeup and therefore produce good natural mascaras.
I intend to find these companies and products and profile them on this site.
While you might have heard about some of these products, some are probably new. And isn’t the most exciting thing about cosmetics is trying out new looks and products? Naturally, the less toxic they are the better, right? Just because women like to use makeup doesn’t mean that they have to put toxic chemicals all over their faces. This is not an either – or situation. Makeup can be safe. And as consumers we owe it to ourselves to pick the best.
If you never before stopped to think about what in your mascara, you should really stop and read the ingredients label. Did you know that parabens are carcinogenic? Did you know that the chemical cocktail in your makeup is known to cause various health issues? You owe it to yourself to get educated on the topic. Study the list of ingredients to avoid and do your best to find alternatives.
And meanwhile, I’ll help you find one of the most essential cosmetics products – the mascara.
After all, batting long lashes is a right even green-minded girls should have :)
Luckily there has been a slow and steady growth in cosmetics companies who actually focus on organic makeup and therefore produce good natural mascaras.
I intend to find these companies and products and profile them on this site.
While you might have heard about some of these products, some are probably new. And isn’t the most exciting thing about cosmetics is trying out new looks and products? Naturally, the less toxic they are the better, right? Just because women like to use makeup doesn’t mean that they have to put toxic chemicals all over their faces. This is not an either – or situation. Makeup can be safe. And as consumers we owe it to ourselves to pick the best.
If you never before stopped to think about what in your mascara, you should really stop and read the ingredients label. Did you know that parabens are carcinogenic? Did you know that the chemical cocktail in your makeup is known to cause various health issues? You owe it to yourself to get educated on the topic. Study the list of ingredients to avoid and do your best to find alternatives.
And meanwhile, I’ll help you find one of the most essential cosmetics products – the mascara.
After all, batting long lashes is a right even green-minded girls should have :)
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