OK, so I'm on a mission to find my favorite safe cosmetics. After a recent breast cancer scare (everything's fine) I knew it was time to take my search for safe make-up more seriously. If you haven't heard about the connection between synthetic chemicals in make up and breast cancer, see my August 22, 2009 post on Chemical Cosmetics.
Now I do know the alternative is not to wear any, but I was a theatre gal in my youth. Stage make-up is pretty heavy - thick pancake foundation and over accentuated cheeks & lips so your features can be seen and you don't look "washed out" under the theatre lights. So I got used to always wearing at least some make-up. Of course I don't wear that much anymore, but I can't resist wearing some!
Now I do know the alternative is not to wear any, but I was a theatre gal in my youth. Stage make-up is pretty heavy - thick pancake foundation and over accentuated cheeks & lips so your features can be seen and you don't look "washed out" under the theatre lights. So I got used to always wearing at least some make-up. Of course I don't wear that much anymore, but I can't resist wearing some!
Here's my progress to date. I try to look at the drug store brands first - finding something local that's reasonably priced is always preferred to special ordering - let alone having to wait when you need it now!
Although I don't wear foundation, I do like a little for spot cover up. Despite the theatre experience, I don't wear a real foundation, it accentuates the wrinkles! But I discovered Physicians Formula now has an organic line they call Organic Wear. I absolutely love their tinted moisturizer. It's the best I've found for a light cover, not drying or dry looking, and it can be worn as a spot cover or a full foundation. Paraben and phthlate free. It's available in any local drug store - I recommend giving it a try if you're not looking for a complete cover up.
The Physicians Formula Organic Wear pencil liners are also nice. They are very soft and so they glide on nice and smooth. I can wear them fine, but because they're so nice and soft, they can be smeary if you tend toward under eye smearing.
Mascara's a little harder. Since most safe chemical free mascaras aren't water proof, they have varying levels of stay power. The advantage is they wash off better, but it also means they can smear more easily. I tried the organic Physician's Formula, and I liked it fine, but it tends to run. I tried a couple of others, then I hit on Couleur Caramel from Italy. Available through the Isabella Catalog and The Nature of Beauty , it's a great smelling natural mascara with real staying power. They also have a great eye liner, with a cool little foam applicator for line control! See some safe cosmetics I've listed for you here.
Share your finds, and I'll keep you posted on mine!
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