All Natural · Eco-Chick

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Lead-Free Lipstick: Why You Should Nix Maybelline and L’Oreal, Plus Healthy Alternatives

Most of us pull a lipstick tube from our bag and freshen up several times a day, year round. Before we walk out the door in the morning, after lunch, before a meeting, or a hot date, even while driving, we seem to be forever applying. Even if we’re going for a natural look with minimal make-up, a touch of color on our lips makes our faces appear lively, and we feel more pulled together.

Here’s the conundrum: Your favorite lipstick could be poisoning you.

A recent study by the Food and Drug Administration found that over 400 shades of popular lipstick on the market contain trace amounts of lead. Five lipsticks made by L’Oreal and Maybelline ranked among the top 10 worst offenders. Two Cover Girl and two NARS lipsticks landed in the top 10 as well. I strongly urge you to have a look at the list (scroll down the page to “Exapanded Survey”) if you’re a lipstick lover.

This story isn’t a new one, since reports about lipsticks containing lead date back to the 1990s. In 2007, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics tested 33 red lipsticks and found that two-thirds of them contained lead — and that one-third had levels above what the FDA allows in candy.

But the FDA asserts that comparing lipstick to lead isn’t quite fair.

“It is not scientifically valid to equate the risk to consumers presented by lead levels in candy, a product intended for ingestion, with that associated with lead levels in lipstick, a product intended for topical use and ingested in much smaller quantities than candy,” the FDA said in its online comments.

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics disagrees. Per a statement made by the campaign, “Lead builds in the body over time, and lead-containing lipstick applied several times a day, every day, can add up to significant exposure levels.”

“Lead is a proven neurotoxin that can cause learning, language and behavioral problems. Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to lead exposure, because lead easily crosses the placenta and enters the fetal brain where it can interfere with normal development,” said Sean Palfrey, M.D., a professor of pediatrics and public health at Boston University and the medical director of Boston’s Lead Poisoning Prevention Program. Most health experts agree that there is no safe level of lead exposure for human beings, even as the FDA does allow for small amounts in our food and doesn’t regulate it in beauty products, even those, like lipstick, that are ingested.

The accumulation of toxins, such as lead in the body, is also known as bioaccumulation, something we’ve talked about many times here on Eco Chick.

This all begs the question: Is wearing potentially toxic lipstick worth the risk? Here are better alternatives for your lips (just in case you decide to throw away that long-lasting, lead lipstick of yours.) I’ve spoken to each of these companies personally to ensure that they are lead-free.

Jane Iredale’s PureMoist LipColours

Gabriel Cosmetics’ ZuZu Luxe Lipstick

all natural, Beauty, cosmetics, lipstick, natural

Jane’s Flower Oil: Handmixed Loveliness for What Ails You from the Owner of Grace Heaven Salon

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by Starre Vartan · 11/09/11

Jane Webb runs the supergreen hair salon Grace Heaven in the East Village of Manhattan (or by appointment in LA), and I see her regularly to keep my crazy-curly tresses red and glowing. She uses only the most natural and toxin-free colors and hair products, and she’s extremely serious about that – her salon is a no greenwashing zone.

Jane has twice now gifted me with some of her unbelievable handcrafted oils. I took the first batch with me on my around-the-world travels, and it steadied and centered me when I was feeling (sometimes literally) adrift. I use the newest version on my whole body after my once-a-week super scrubdown, while my body is still warm and damp, and I use just a bit on my hair almost every day, to keep it in check and to tame my frizzies and ends. It is my very favorite beauty product of them all (well, that and my mascara!).

Jane says of her most recent blend:

Every batch is different and I choose the scents based on what resonates for me at the time. Lately I have been loving sandalwood recently and I like ambrette, neroli, rose, frankincense, lavender, sage, jasmine, helichrysum, geranium. I am always trying different purveyors and like any crop it depends on season, growing conditions, how it is extracted; these are all super critical issues.
I don’t always use [an oil] because it smells good. Sometimes the benefits of a certain element are so important that it must be included. I am not trying to be a perfumer but it comes with the territory and you never know what the end result is until you combine everything. What will top out, what will be laying in the background.
But once you become accustomed to the lushness, the true luxury of essential oils you will never be enchanted by a man made chemical based perfume again. What I love about it is the subtle but powerful way that it works on the emotions and the body. It is the life blood of a plant- truly the healing medicine of the planet.

Jane makes small batches of 15-20 bottles at a time, and she can tailor the oil to deal with certain issues. If you are interested in this incredibly healing (and wonderfully moisturizing) oil, Jane can be reached through her shop Grace Heaven salon, which is on 3rd between A and B, or at 212.253.5490.

all natural, body care, oil, skin

RIPE: Fresh Cocktail Mixers with Real, Pronounceable Ingredients

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by Stephanie Rogers · 05/10/10

In a rush before a gaggle of guests were due to arrive at my house, I was staring at a shelf full of pre-made margarita mixers at my local liquor store. With no time to run to the grocery store, making my own was out, so I grabbed the first bottle I saw and dashed down the aisle, reading the ingredients as I walked. “Contains no juice. High fructose corn syrup… citric acid… polysorbate 60… umm, glycerol ester of wood rosin? Oh, hell no.” The bottle went back on the shelf. Tequila shots, anyone?

There’s no denying the convenience factor of pre-made mixers, especially for those of us who are a little too lazy or sloppy with a measuring spoon to play bartender. But should we have to settle for high fructose corn syrup and other less-than-healthy ingredients? The makers of RIPE Mixers don’t think so, and let me tell you, their products will blow that nasty stuff right out of your cocktail glasses.

Read my RIPE review More »

all natural, cocktails, Food & Drink, healthy

100% Pure

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by Kimberly Jordan Allen · 08/08/08

A couple of months ago I was standing in the check-in line at LAX and someone was frantically decanting lotion into a small container to bring onto our flight. I was standing next to him, and I could smell vanilla, coconut, and warm caramel. Being obsessed with scents, I had to ask what was wafting through the air. The ticket agent quickly flipped his flat screen around and showed me the website for 100% Pure. A few of the agents and the passenger were sniffing and giddy about this ‘dream cream,’ as he called it. He let me get a good whiff and I was hooked.

100% Pure is the brainchild of Susie Wang. One day, while out picking blackberries, it occurred to Susie that she needed to figure out a way to make cosmetics and beauty products from completely natural ingredients. Her inspiration helped to generate a line of products that are all natural, vegan (or vegetarian when honey is used,) synthetic fragrance free, paraben free, toxin free, and without the use of added water, thickeners, or emulsifiers.

Face
The facial care line left my skin feeling clean, not stripped. The Organic Lavender Sea Foam Cleanser got my skin feeling squeaky, without feeling overly dry, but it is for more oily/problem skin. In the winter, when skin gets drier, the Organic Lavender Honey Facial Cleansing Foam would be a good choice. It is milder than the Sea Foam, but leaves the face feeling cleansed.

I followed with the Organic White Tea Rose toner and Nourishing Facial Oil. I also used the Organic Coffee Bean Eye Cream.

The toner feels nice and soothing. The red rose and rich, red fruits used in the toner, along with the chamomile and lavender, smell yummy and mild. It has no alcohol and just leaves the skin feeling supple. The Nourishing Facial Oil also made my skin feel really soothed. The Eye Cream smells like a hazelnut torte or some other delicious, nutty dessert. This cream is purported to have phenomenal effects for some – lifting eye circles and minimizing puffiness. I did find it to have a lifting for me. I have tried a lot of different eye products and most of them do little to nothing, other than moisturize. This cream seemed to really make my eyes feel and look less tired. Everything is packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory fruits and herbs, to help the skin process toxins and age gracefully.

Body
The body care line is amazing. I have never smelled rich creams and scrubs like this that are totally natural and so edible. The Organic Virgin Coconut cream smells like a coconut cream pie, warm, milky and nutty. This cream feels fantastic. It is very moisturizing with softening fruit oils and hydrating coconut oil. Yum! Everyone who smelled this on me had something to say or wanted to find some immediately. I also use the Mango Body Butter, which is very concentrated – a little goes a long way. This citrus fragrance is light and leaves you feeling fresh and glowing.

In the shower, if you are looking for a delicious body scrub, the Organic Blood Orange Juicy Body Scrub is fantastic as well. They make an Organic Coconut Body Scrub, and I bet it is amazing. I also used the Organic Pomegranate Body Cream, which literally smells like Twizzlers. I used to eat those horrendous artificial red #lord-knows-what when I’d go to the movies as a kid (impending tummy ache following of course.) This cream totally reminded me of them, only not as ‘fake’ smelling. I also tried the Organic Lavender, which was really nice. It was simple and just smelled like pure lavender, not overly oily or processed.

Cosmetics
The cosmetics line of 100% is completely derived from fruits and Organics. The line has a lip gloss that is not sticky at all – just leaves a nice, moisturizing shine. The lip/cheek tints are enhancing and sheer. My favorite is the mascara, which is made from organic green tea, black tea, and seaweed powder! It sounds like some new-fad diet, but it leaves the lashes long and defined. I never wear much makeup, but when I do, it consists of a bit of bronzer or cheek tint, gloss and mascara. I also tried the Cocoa Pigmented Bronzer which is made from cocoa, of course. It is very light and doesn’t leave one looking orange or unnaturally tinted.

100% Pure has a patent pending process that allows the company to bypass synthetics as well as avoiding concentrated essential oils that are limited in variety. Through cold-pressing, they developed a way to capture the scents of nectarine, blackberry, coconut, or any fruit or vegetable. This method allows retention of the vitality and healing properties of the botanicals, generating a line of products that are bursting with flavor and nourishing vitamins. The company uses only post-consumer plastics and glass to package their items, as well. 100% Pure is fun, fragrant and fresh – purely delicious!

all natural, bath, cosmetics

Pointless Packaging Winner: Neutrogena Wave Power Cleanser

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by Starre Vartan · 06/09/08

You know, there was a time, when I was a teenager, that I used to love Neutrogena products. I had the idea that they were cleaner, purer and better for my skin and hair than other drugstore brands. I definitely fell for their shampoo that was supposed to clean all the other shampoos from your hair (I’m not sure if it worked but I always bought it!).

Though I know Neutrogena hasn’t really gone the natural and organic route, the impression of them being at least somewhat more ecofriendly has always stayed with me. Not anymore! They are now selling motorized hunks of plastic that will inevitably be just another piece of junk that will end up in a landfill. Do we really need a battery-powered face scrubber in the world?

These days I use an all natural soap (LOVE handmade Copa Soaps which have just a recycled paper ribbon for packaging) to wash my face and it’s never been better. Shame on you Neutrogena! There’s a climate crisis going on and you’re manufacturing more plastic, plastic-coated packaging, making batteries, and shipping it all over the world for what? Not to mentions I’m sure the ‘cleanser’ is full of chemicals.

AND IT GETS WORSE!! The Wave Power Cleanser uses disposable pads! So you have to buy more overpackaged, disposable pads if you want to keep using the damn thing.

Not to be mean, but I hope this is a giant fail for Neutrogena: Ladies, Don’t Buy It! I’m thinking of starting a letter-writing campaign to Neutrogena because I’m so pissed off.