We all have our trusty beauty favorites; but sometimes our go-to mascaras and lipsticks contain many toxic ingredients than we’re unaware of.
Believe it or not, the makeup industry is not as carefully monitored as it should be. ABC News for example, reports that cosmetic industry is one of the least regulated industries in the country. With many harmful ingredients still added to cosmetics each year, it can be challenging (and scary!) to shop for safe products.
Before you throw out your entire beauty arsenal, it’s nice to know that resources like EWG’s Skin Deep keep a watchful eye on all your favorite beauty brands. Listing all the need-to-know product ingredients present in a lot of your beauty favorites, it’s a great way to make smarter shopping choices with ease. Another fantastic resource is Spa Heroes’ Pocket Guide, which lists both beneficial and toxic ingredients inside your makeup must-haves.
As the demand for safer products has increased, so has the quality of beauty brands. For safe and equally effective cosmetics, here are a few of our favorite natural beauty brands. Plus, we included a few awesome ingredients for creating your own DIY skincare at home.
Davines
Free of parabens, sulfates, and gluten; this carbon neutral line of hair goodies perks up dull and lifeless strands instantly. $23.50 – $41 Shop Davines
Vineyard Hill Naturals
Indulge your skin with this collection of 95 percent organic body and bath products. Made without any harsh chemicals, phthalates and parabens; there’s no stopping you from enjoying pure, unfiltered beauty easily. $3.99-$15 Shop Vineyard Hill Naturals
Briogeo
Using only the finest blends of natural plant and fruit extracts, this antioxidant-rich line of hair eliminates silicones and harmful sulfates from wreaking havoc on your locks. $14-$26 Shop Briogeo
Hello Hair Hydrating Mask
Let plant based ingredients (say hello to argan, olive, and castor oils!) hydrate dehydrated strands with this all natural mask, working great on all types of hair. $18 Shop Hello Hair Hydrating Mask
Sunology
Say goodbye to harsh chemicals with this mineral enhanced sunscreen, which holds a high ranking with the Environmental Worker’s Group. $14.99 Shop Sunology
Cate McNabb
This mineral-based, socially conscious line skips out on the harsh chemicals and parabens, while delivering high-pigmented products any beauty lover would enjoy. $14-$50 Shop Cate McNabb
Make Your Own Beauty Creations
And If you love creating your own naturally based beauty concoctions, you don’t have to raid your local healthfood store to make helpful skincare favorites. Usually, your own kitchen cabinet has many great natural beauty solutions you’ll truly love.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Curing everything from dry skin to frazzled hair, extra virgin coconut oil contains nourishing fatty acids that add moisture instantly. To bring that hydrating punch to your everyday routine, try creating DIY scrubs, masks and more using the super ingredient. Also, making a great natural shaving emollient, there’s infinite ways to use this beauty staple.
Baby Powder
Another natural multitasker is baby powder, which can be used to solve many of your beauty woes in a flash. Got oily roots? Simply dust some powder on the crown of your head for fast relief. Need a natural eye primer? Blend a pinch of powder onto your eyelids for matte makeup looks all day long.
Baking Soda
For that natural spa day at home, baking soda can come to your aid in so many ways. Whether you need a lifesaving pedicure or a nontoxic facial scrub, baking soda can amp up your regimen without hesitation. Plus, if your smile needs a boost, feel free to use baking soda on a damp toothbrush for all natural whitening.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is one of the most incredible natural mult-taskers. Not only can you use it for cooking, but it makes a multitude of effective beauty products. Use it as a moisturizer, hair mask, shaving emollient, lip balm, and more! Coconut oil is truly a do-it-all natural ingredient. Check out these DIY articles for more amazing ways to use coconut oil.
