Natural Cosmetics by Sheri I don't wear a lot of make-up - usually just a touch of blush/lipstick. If I'm going out on a date with my husband I'll use a bit more: eyeshadow and a little waterproof mascara. I use the waterproof kind because I tend to rub my eyes a lot so if I don't use the waterproof kind, I end up with the raccoon look, which is NOT the look I'm going for when I use make-up! LOL

I've been looking into natural cosmetics. I know that commercial brands have a LOT of added chemicals, preservatives and many brands still use animal testing. I'm not a vegetarian but I just don't see the sense in using animals to test cosmetic safety. It's seems that a few of the benefits of using natural cosmetics are that they are gentle on your skin (less chemicals) and cruelty free (don't use animal testing). There are also some ingredients used in commercial cosmetics that are considered carcinogens, so I like the idea of looking for alternatives.

I've used Natural soaps, shampoos and skin lotions for years. There are some wonderful brands carried by many health food stores: Kiss My Face, Nature's Gate and Mill Creek brands are classics) and there is an incredible skin care line called Jurlique (www.jurlique.com) that I've used for a few years with wonderful results, but I am just starting to learn about natural cosmetics. Our skin does absorb what we put on it so it does make sense to pay attention to what's in our make-up.

Jason cosmetics (http://www.jason-natural.com/html/welcome.html) says:
"Fortunately for us, nature has provided an abundance of plants, roots, flowers and herbs rich in vitamins, enzymes, proteins, minerals and other biologically active compounds that have been used in the care of the body, skin and hair since the time of the ancient Egyptians. Knowledge of the healing power of herbs and their special effects on the skin was gathered into books during medieval times. Some of this information also has been passed down orally from generation to generation - right down to our great-grandmothers, who may have had their natural cosmetics prepared by the knowledgeable neighborhood pharmacist!"

I have a commercial blush that's running out, that I can't replace because the company has stopped making it, (don't you hate that! :) so I'm going to head over to my local health food store and see what they have. I'll share the results with you!

I'm back (decided to do some shopping while I was there) and I'm impressed! I haven't taken a good look at natural cosmetics in years and they've come a long way! The woman who ran the counter was friendly and gave me lots of literature to read through. I found a blush by Ecco Bella called earthy rose that almost exactly matched the TIGI brand I was looking to replace. I got to try it out and the feel is no different then the department store brands. The colors were beautiful and the ingredients were all natural. I bought one of those and another in 'Wild Rose". The cost was reasonable too - under $10 each! The Ecco Bella line (www.eccobella.com) are called "flower color" cosmetics and their website says:

"Science has discovered the flower's secret for keeping fresh even in harsh elements - an imperceptible wax that naturally coats every petal for a longer, more beautiful life. Ecco Bella has added these delicate flower waxes to our products, creating a whole new generation of natural cosmetics.

Our flower wax-enriched colors go on smoother and more evenly, with a dewy soft finish that lasts. The flower waxes create a barrier that prevents moisture from migrating from the skin to the color. Pigments are cushioned against the skin, giving a soft finish that is especially gentle for customers with sensitive skin. These new formulas truly blur the line between color cosmetics and skin care."

I was impressed! A few of the other brands that were recommended were: Dr. Hauschka (www.drhauschka.com), MyChelle (www.MyChelleUSA.com) and Benedetta (www.benedetta.com). From now on, once they run out, I'm going to replace my commercial cosmetics with the natural brands. Thanks Mama, for asking me to write about this. =)

A few other interesting links:

http://www.organicconsumers.org/bodycare/ocalist090604.cfm

http://1stholistic.com/Beauty/skin/skin_home.htm

http://www.theorganicmakeupcompany.com/switchtoorganic.htm