Eco-Friendly Cosmetics

Americans spend about $18 billion on cosmetics annually. We line our eyes, coat our faces and cover our lips. If we were any closer to our makeup, we’d be eating it. In fact, with some cosmetics that would be better, Organic Consumers reports that we may absorb five pounds of toxic chemicals a year from our beauty products and they’re going straight into our blood streams. It’s definitely time to green that makeup bag.

Top 5 Green Tips

1. Do Your Research

Don’t think that because a cosmetic is on the shelf it (or its ingredients) has been assessed for safety. Federal laws allow cosmetic companies free reign on what they make and how they label it. You can get the lowdown on products by searching the Environmental Working Group’s Cosmetic Safety Database.

2. Keep Animals Out Of It

Animal testing is not only inhumane, it’s outdated and unnecessary. Scientists have developed faster, cheaper and more accurate (animal-free!) tests. Look for the PETA Cruelty-Free logo on labels and familiarize yourself with their list of companies that do/don’t test on animals at www.caringconsumer.com.

3. Pick the Right Packaging

The $18 billion cosmetic industry is made up of lots of packaging for little items. Each mascara and lipstick tube, compact, and squirt-foundation bottle uses resources in its creation and clogs landfills in its disposal. Look for items with the most recyclable packaging.

4. Get Fossil Fuels off Your Face

When it comes to petroleum, we’re running, to put it very lightly, a little low. Most of us are trying to cut down on our consumption, but don’t overlook your cosmetics, which often contain petroleum-derivatives that can also be toxic (especially watch out for lip balms and foundations, where beeswax and minerals are better alternative ingredients). Kohl is another cosmetic product that has shown to have negative effects on our health. Many kohl eyeliners contain lead and even elements such as aluminum, carbon and sulfur, just to name a few.

5. Eliminate Excess

Like always, one of the best ways to green your beauty routine is to go minimal. Cut out products that you don’t really need (makeup artists advocate less product for a younger, healthier appearance) and use multitasking products like the Suki Pure Cream Stain, which can be used on eyelids, lips and cheeks (with fully disclosed ingredients).