| Women have been using cosmetics for thousands of | | | | have water which is the main ingredient and use |
| years, and in the beginning, everything was natural--it | | | | natural coloring, but they do still contain some plastic. |
| had to be! Women mixed coal dust with lard to make | | | | Some contain a few solvents, while others do not. |
| homemade mascara, for example. Over the years, | | | | Without solvents, it takes a longer drying time to get a |
| however, corporations began manufacturing cosmetics | | | | hard finish, but you also won't have the chemical smell. |
| on a larger scale, and chemicals were used to | | | | This is especially important for nail salon workers and |
| preserve the product for longer shelf life. Today, | | | | for pregnant women. |
| women are questioning the many chemicals used in | | | | What about your hair? While this isn't actually a |
| their cosmetics and want safe natural cosmetics. | | | | cosmetic, it's part of your beauty routine, and again, |
| One very popular natural cosmetic is mineral makeup. | | | | you don't need chemicals to be beautiful. Check the |
| Both dermatologists and consumers have been giving | | | | label before you buy. Natural hair products are |
| it rave reviews, and the product range includes | | | | available that don't contain synthetic chemicals |
| foundation, blush, eyeshadow, and lipstick. The best | | | | (especially sodium lauryl or laureth sulfates), parabens, |
| mineral makeups are made from pure and natural | | | | or synthetic fragrances. They should contain natural |
| minerals. Basically, they're made from different rocks | | | | ingredients, and they may be biodegradable. Even with |
| and ores that are ground into fine powders, and they | | | | natural products, the ingredient list can still be lengthy, |
| act as concealer, foundation, and powder in one step. | | | | but take the time to read through it and see what |
| Mineral makeups are typically lightweight, waterproof, | | | | you're actually putting in your hair. |
| and long-lasting, and they work for all skin types. It | | | | Finally, consider your lipstick. Some research indicates |
| doesn't clog pores, and it is light reflective, which can | | | | that we eat about four pounds of lipstick in our |
| help hide fine lines. Some research even shows that | | | | lifetimes. Have you ever considered what they're |
| mineral makeup provides a natural sunblock for UVA | | | | made from? There's even been concern lately that |
| and UVB rays. | | | | some lipsticks contain lead. To make lipstick, you need |
| Another recent concern has been about the number | | | | three basic ingredients: wax, oil and color. It doesn't |
| of harmful chemicals found in nail polish, including | | | | need chemicals to be effective. There are many |
| formaldehyde, toluene, and phthalates. While there isn't | | | | natural lipsticks available, usually using beeswax or |
| a nail polish that's 100% natural, there are ones that | | | | plant wax. Natural oils like jojoba or chamomile provide |
| provide safer alternatives. There are some nail | | | | spread-ability, while natural pigments provide color. |
| polishes available with water-based formulas. These | | | | |