We all know that we could (and should) do a little bit more for the planet, especially with Earth Day right around the corner. While the obvious, recycling, is, of course, helpful, there is always more to be done. For us ladies, our makeup bag is our lifeline! Putting toxic chemicals on your face every day, however, is not the best for your skin nor the environment. Why not make the transformation to having an eco-friendly makeup bag this Earth Day?!
We are bringing you the best eco-friendly makeup essentials every girl needs in her makeup bag.
Why Eco-friendly Makeup?
Look in your makeup bag and pull out your eyeliner or mascara. What are the ingredients? Yeah, I can't pronounce them either. These chemicals are not only hard to say, but they can also cause many different issues. Why use toxic chemicals on your face when you can use an all natural, organic alternative?
You can even make your own at home! Saving your face and money at the same time. We are going to help you convert all of your essentials to environment-friendly (not to mention safer for your skin!) healthier substitutes. It may be hard to kiss all of your favorite brands' goodbye but you can do it and your skin will thank you for it!
A Healthier Alternative
Makeup is one of the most important parts of our beauty regimen. There are not many women who could live without their eyeliner, mascara, eyeshadow, or eyebrow shadow. However, have you ever actually researched what is actually in these products? Your favorite eye and face makeup is likely to contain one or more toxic chemicals.
Petroleum Distillates
Primarily used as a cheap emollient, a mix of hydrocarbons sourced from petroleum. This chemical has been linked to contamination issues, organ system toxicity, and bioaccumulation.
Aluminum Powder
Used as a colorant, aluminum powder is rated as a high concern on the EWG Cosmetics Database Scale. It can cause neurotoxicity and enhanced skin absorption.
Parabens
A preservative used to keep bacteria away, this chemical can cause health issues. According to the Breast Cancer Fund, parabens are a known endocrine disrupter which can mimic or disrupt estrogen.
Carbon Black
Found in most eyeliners, mascaras, and eyeshadow, carbon black has been linked to cancer and organ system toxicity.
Ethanolamine Compounds
Can contain cancer-causing contaminants such as nitrosamines.
BAK or Benzalkonium Chloride
This chemical has been documented to be toxic to the epithelial cells of the eyes.
These are just a handful of the harmful ingredients that you are applying to not only your face but your eyes. Why take the chance when there are so many stellar all natural or organic makeup alternatives on the market? Here are a few of our favorites followed by an easy DIY recipe if you are feeling adventurous and want to make your own.
Eyes
Josie Maran Argan Black Oil Mascara: This cruelty-free mascara uses a mix that includes 100% pure argan oil and the blackest black iron mineral pigments. It has rave reviews and is almost completely natural. The quality is top notch and competes well against the popular, mainstream chemical filled brands.
100% Pure Creamy Long Last Liner: Containing beneficial ingredients like vitamin E, marula oil, shea butter, and jojoba oil, this natural eyeliner is one of the best on the market. A tad pricey, the quality is worth every cent.
100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Palettes: With all natural ingredients like vitamin c & e and goji berry extract, this is a perfect replacement for your current shadow. Choose from a few beautiful long-lasting shades.
DIY Eyeliner and Mascara
This natural recipe can be used as liquid eyeliner and/or mascara. Simply use an old mascara tube or eyeliner container. Clean it before use by soaking in hot water for 10-15 minutes.
What you will need:
¾ Tsp. Beeswax
½ Tsp. Coconut oil
½ Tsp. Shea butter
2 Tsp. Aloe Vera Gel
1 Capsule Activated charcoal
Directions:
Place the beeswax, coconut oil, shea butter, and aloe gel in a double boiler or a glass bowl inside of a pot of water.
Heat the mixture slowly, over low heat until melted. Crack open the capsule and add the charcoal. Mix well.
Using a small funnel, pour the mixture into the cleaned tube or container.
Eyeshadow
You will begin with the arrowroot and shea butter as your base. Then gradually add your coloring until you reach your desired shade.
What you will need:
¼ Tsp. Arrowroot
⅛ Tsp. Shea butter
For the color:
Cocoa Powder - Brown
Beet Root - Pink
Spirulina - Green
Activated Charcoal - Black / Gray
Nutmeg - Gold
Face Powder
You cannot complete your look without a fabulous face powder as your base, we all know this. What you may not know is that many face powders contain talc which has been known to contain asbestos (yikes!) and to cause both breast and lung cancers. Here is one of our favorite products and a DIY recipe.
Juicy Beauty Foundation
This USDA approved, organic, cream foundation is not only an amazing product, but it is also cruelty-free, vegan, and uses recycled packaging.
DIY Recipe:
What you will need/Directions:
1 Tbls Arrowroot (this will be your base)
Add 1 part cocoa to 1 part nutmeg until you get the matching shade to your skin tone
Lip Gloss
Kjaer Weis Lip Gloss
Containing natural ingredients such as castor and sunflower seed, and rosehip oils, this organic lip gloss leaves your lips hydrated and undeniably kissable.
DIY Lip Gloss
What you will need:
2 Tbs. Coconut Oil
2 Tbs. Shea Butter or Cocoa Butter
3 Tbs. Beeswax
½ Tsp. Mica Powder - red, bronze, rose, and pearl, your choice
10 Drops Essential Oils
1 Container (for your lip gloss).
Directions:
Melt the coconut oil, shea or cocoa butter, and beeswax in a double boiler (Or a glass bowl in a pot of water)
Remove from heat.
Stir in your chosen color of mica powder and scented essential oils.
Dip the end of a spoon into the mixture and let harden for a few minutes. Apply to wrist testing color and scent. Add more if needed.
Using a pipette quickly transfer lip gloss to the container.
Sunscreen
Sunscreens can be chock full of yucky chemicals. It's important to check the ingredients before you buy! When these sunscreens are absorbed by your skin (and even your bloodstream), these toxic additives can threaten your internal health. Play it safe with natural sunscreens that protect your skin without compromise. Zinc It Over Sunscreen Facial Mist is an effective SPF that can be worn over makeup making it easy to reapply the recommended every two hours. Other sunscreen brands such as All Good, Juice Beauty, and Badger are excellent choices for the body.
While looking our best is a top priority, we can do so without harming the planet or our body. Use this Earth Day as your excuse for becoming a cruelty-free, eco-friendly skincare advocate. With all of these amazing healthier alternatives, there should be no reason to keep using harmful and toxic substances in your daily life. Do your part and have a happy Earth Day!
