When Green Faces are a good thing

As more and more things “go green” as a response to our rapidly-deteriorating environment, we turn our eyes -- and, in this case, eyeshadows and mascaras -- to improving and increasing our use of skin protectants and more natural, organic cosmetics.
Makeup is no exception; it’s better to be beautiful in a green way, since, after all, these are products you’re putting on your face and your skin. And it’s better for the planet, as well, as many organic products are not only packaged in a more conservative way, but they also often avoid animal testing and unnecessary chemicals. And being more earth-friendly is always in fashion.

FACE THE SUNSCREEN
Starting your makeup routine with a sunscreen isn’t really an option any more -- it’s paramount in importance in both summer and winter, not just to avoid unsightly wrinkling, but also to stay as safe as possible from one of the main causes of skin cancer. SPFs have become more advanced, and Neutrogena, for one, makes some of the most effective sunscreens on the market today.
Neutrogena’s product line includes what’s called Helioplex technology, which protects the wearer from both the sun’s UVB rays (the rays that cause sunburn) and UVA rays (that cause aging).
Dermatologist-tested, Neutrogena’s products, which are available in SPF 55, 70, and 85, also include Dry-Touch technology, which is another breakthrough that eliminates that tacky sunblock feel; instead, you’re left with a lightweight, barely noticeable powdery finish that’s a comfortable way to protect your skin. They make great hydrating SPF’d moisturizers, too, if you like to moisturize before applying your makeup for the day.
To select a base for your face, you might want to try one of these two options: L’Oreal’s Bare Naturale line, with natural mineral ingredients, has a built-in UV sunscreen and is fragrance-free; easy to purchase in most drugstores, it’s also recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation. And Physician’s Formula has released the first ECOCERT-Certified organic makeup line in the U.S., complete with eco-friendly packaging and zero chemicals or synthetic preservatives; their products go on sleekly and give an equally clean look to your skin.
To cover those little imperfections, the Burt’s Bees line includes a terrific Concealing Creme that arrives in two shades and focuses on natural Rosemary Extract to do its work; it’s even anti-bacterial, which helps diminish those blemishes, and retails for under $10.
And to give your visage a flawless powder finish, the makeup line of Dr. Hauschka -- the choice of such celebs as Julia Roberts, Madonna, and Kylie Minogue - offers up one of the best loose translucent face powders on the market, free of synthetic preservatives and including such ingredients as tapioca starch, silk powder, and witch hazel extract.
Hauschka’s philosophy is as attractive as their products, as they insist on acquiring their raw ingredients in an environmentally-responsible way and craft their products through what’s called anthroposophical medicine, which approaches the creation of their remedies and therapeutic cosmetic products through a more holistic point of view.

THE EYES HAVE IT
A great place to start for colorful eye makeup choices, among other things, is The Body Shop, founded 30 years ago as the “original ethical cosmetics company.” They continue that tradition today; by purchasing your beauty products from them, you’re helping their Community Trade program, which creates sustainable trading programs for their product ingredients, and you’re also supporting ethical trading.
For all those good deeds, you’re rewarded with The Body Shop’s rich line of natural-ingredient-infused products, including their many-colored Shimmer Cubes eyeshadows with pearl pigments and Community Trade marula oil, and their mascaras, many of which feature organic beeswax.
Another of the more surprising innovations in cosmetics over the past few years has been the introduction of the e.l.f. (eyes, lips, face) line of products, which is found everywhere from department stores to (gasp!) grocery stores - yet still manages to keep an air of fashionable cachet about it. The catch? Well, it’s a good one - e.l.f’s self-professed goal is to keep makeup costs low, hence their range of non animal-tested products starting at a mere $1. Their slightly higher-priced Professional and Mineral lines include amazing $3-$10 options of eyeshadow and other products that are 100% mineral-based with no chemical dyes, and they even offer a special eyebrow-tweezer set that benefits PeTA.
And the glamorous Australian NVEY ECO line of products - their eyeshadows, and especially their certified organic mascaras with vitamin B5, nettle, and horsetail herbs - utilizes such additional ingredients as organic chamomile, jojoba oil, and vitamin E, with highly-concentrated color pigments that enhance your natural beauty without preservatives, petroleum, or other unwanted additives.

GREEN YOUR LIPS
Although many people are finally becoming more diligent about applying sunscreen, the lips are often forgotten; but they are susceptible to skin damage as well. That doesn’t mean lip protectants have to be boring or waxy, however; several companies make options that are comfortable to wear indoors, and many even offer a good level of SPF.
Burt’s Bees springs to mind again; their Replenishing Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil goes on smoothly, has a pleasant fruity scent, and is not tested on animals; although you may have to layer a second balm on top if you’re spending the day outdoors, this one’s a good option for indoor wear.
Sephora has a couple of lip options in their organic line that are great finishing touches on your makeup routine, too. Ole Henriksen’s Fresh Lips SPF 15 proves protective with its cocoa butter, vitamin E, and licorice extract, while Juice Beauty offers up a nifty three-pack of SPF 8 Protective Lip Moisturizers that combine mineral sun protection with certified organic plant oils and mango/passion fruit extracts.
And the Kiss My Face line of lip balms is also organic, and is easily found at drugstores; with the new “hot” makeup ingredient, royal jelly, plus coconut oil, aloe vera, and certified organic beeswax, it’s fashionable, has an SPF of 15, and is fun to wear, making a great finish to your new healthy, pretty, and “green” face.



View On Our Website