Natural & Safe Cosmetics (Non-Toxic & Chemical-Free)

There are so many toxic, chemical-filled cosmetic products on the market.  Thankfully, there are healthier alternatives out there that really work!

In my early twenties, I really started thinking about my skincare routine and the cosmetics that I was putting on my skin. I began researching ingredients and what I found was shocking.

According to U.S. Food and Drug Administration, cosmetic product ingredients, other than color additives, do not need FDA approval before they go on the market. The FDA also does not regulate products that advertise and claim to be “natural.” 

In an article published in The Guardian:

The US cosmetics and personal care industry is largely self-regulated. Since it first came under FDA purview in the 1930s, the industry has had only nine chemicals banned from use. More than 12,000 chemicals are approved for use today.

This makes me angry! Why would anyone allow toxic chemicals into products that go onto our skin, which ultimately enters through our bloodstream and can potentially cause harm. Through my research, I started learning all about the toxic chemicals to look out for.

What Ingredients/Chemicals To Avoid In Beauty Products?

Many of the chemicals we absorb into our skin as part of our daily skin routine are known carcinogens and have been directly linked to serious health complications, specifically hormonal-related diseases in women. I've included a few top ingredients to look out for below:

• Parabens - elevates estrogen levels, disrupt hormones and harms the reproductive system
• Phthalates - harmful to reproductive system
• Formaldehyde - disrupts the hormonal and endocrine system
• Oxybenzone - endoctrine disruptor
• Triclosan - linked to hormone & thyroid disruption
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate - skin, eye & respiratory tract irritant
• Fragrance - skin irritant, endoctrine disruptor & respiratory distress
• Tolune - linked to reproductive & neurological dysfunction
• Lead - toxic effects on brain health & development
• Mercury- damages kidneys and nervous system

A Few Facts & Findings

• Across a span of cosmetics, including makeup, toothpaste, shampoo and household cleaners, there are hundreds of potentially harmful ingredients banned in the EU are legally allowed in the US.
• There are an estimated 1,400 chemicals that have been used in beauty products in the past that are now banned in more than 40 countries. However, the U.S mostly lags behind, only having banned nine chemicals due to potentially dangerous effects, as well as some additional pesticides, narcotics and radioactive substances.
• Recently, in response to growing concerns over their potential health impact, legislators in California banned chemicals in beauty products. New legislation will outlaw the use of 20 chemicals and contaminants that are considered the most dangerous among those used in cosmetics. This makes California the first U.S. state to prohibit the use of these hazardous ingredients in the personal care industry. As Sen. Connie Leyva, who authored the bill, said, “SB 312 which will ensure that consumers in California know what ingredients are in the beauty and personal care products they bring home to their families and use on their bodies.”

Let's Talk About Makeup

In my high school days before I was aware, I started trying out a few makeup products such as Clinque eyeshadow and mascara. I really didn’t use foundation until I turned 20. My mom would always tell me, once you start, you can't stop...that the longer I could go, the better. She would also tell me that my skin was beautiful and I didn't need it right now anyway. That sounded good to me and I'm glad I listened.

I wouldn’t dare put any department store or big-name skin care/cosmetic company’s products near my skin these days.  If such things like nicotine patches, birth control patches and progesterone cream can be absorbed through the skin, so does those harmful ingredients in your skincare/cosmetic routine. 

Once I hit twenty, I started searching different cosmetic lines that were somewhat natural. I stumbled across a company called Bare Minerals. I trusted what they were saying, that all their products were all-natural. I used Bare Minerals for several years until I became pregnant and really started researching ingredients. Bare Minerals was better than most, but they still have a long way to go to meet my standards these days. I began searching in health food markets, trying out several natural brands and found a few options that I really liked and were non-toxic. I knew I did not want a liquid foundation...I can't stand the way that feels on my face. And it just doesn’t feel natural or look natural on me.

What's so bad, is there are not a lot of options out there that are free from these dangerous chemicals. I just kept searching and I was pretty excited to come across Gabriel and Zuzu Cosmetics in my local health food market. They had everything I needed, colors and all. I have been using this same collection here for about 15 years and it works for me. A few years back though, they stopped selling in stores, everything is online now and I'm so thankful. Here's a little information I've included below and why I chose to go with this brand.

Gabriel & Zuzu Luxe Cosmetics

• 100% natural ingredients
• No synthetic chemicals
• Plant based
• Vegan
• Gluten free
• Paraben free
• Lead free
• Mineral oil free
• Formaldehyde free
• DBP Free
• Coal tar free
• No hydrogenated oils
• Free of Nano/Micro sized particles
• Peanut & Tree Nut Free
• Made in the USA

Gabriel Dual Powder Foundation

Here's the powder foundation I use. It is Gabriel brand, and the color is (Bamboo – Light to Medium/Neutral). My teenage daughter uses this exact same brand and color. She's tried out different ones like me, but always comes back to this brand. There's not really another one out there that covers and looks as good in our opinion.

Zuzu Luxe Mineral Bronzer

This Zuzu Luxe Mineral Bronzer has always been a part of my makeup routine after I apply my foundation. I apply it to my face and then to my neck to match. I love to tan out in the sun, but I always cover my face and neck with a towel when tanning. This bronzer is perfect for me to match the rest of my body.

Kabuki Brush

Have you heard of a Kabuki brush? I've been using one of these for years to apply bronzer to my face and neck. It's the only tool that works for this in my opinion. You don't want to apply it too heavy and this little brush applies the bronzer just perfectly.

Zuzu Luxe Mineral Blush

My favorite blush, it's called (Fascination - Lightly Toasted Cinnamon/Warm Shimmer). Sometimes I use this and sometimes I like to just use the bronzer instead.

Zuzu Luxe Eyeshadow

When it comes to the eyes, I think it is very important to only apply natural products. This Zuzu Luxe Espresso is my absolute favorite eye shadow color. I love a dark smoky eye and that is what I have always done. I am not one to change out and try new colors. When I find something I like and looks good, I usually stick to the same thing.

Zuzu Luxe Eyeshadow

This Zuzu eye shadow, called Platinum is what I like to use for the eye shadow base, right before I apply the espresso color. It really helps the espresso color to go on smoother and I like the way the platinum looks like underneath.

Zuzu Luxe Black Eyeliner

Eyeliner is a must in my opinion. I think it really brings out the eyes and eye color. A natural one is a definite, being that it is right next to the eye. This Zuzu Luxe Black Eyeliner is my favorite that I have been using for years.

Gabriel Cosmetics Mascara

This Gabriel Cosmetics Black Mascara is the best and does exactly what it is suppose to do...no fake eyelashes needed. I had to throw that in there. It seems like fake eyelashes are the thing these days. I've actually never worn them and probably never will. Mascara does it for me, and I'm not one to go to all that trouble.

Zuzu Luxe Lip Color

I'm pretty picky about lipstick color on my lips. I've been using this same color and brand for years. It's the only one I ever wear. The color is called Temptress, (Temptress - Grape/Warm Pearl).

Electric Face Massager/Roller

This isn't a cosmetic product, but I think it is a great tool to use a couple of times throughout the week. A few years back, my daughter gifted me one of these electric face rollers and I love it.

Features & Benefits:

• Helps stimulate circulation and promotes collagen production
• Designed to help reduce the appearance of fine lines
• Roller head and under eye press are genuine Rose Quartz and can be refrigerated to increase cooling effect Vibrating handle can be used "on" or "off" Roll-on anti-wrinkle creams and serums for deeper penetration and improved results over time
• Helps tone, de-puff and improve the appearance of your skin

ECO Organic Invisible Tan

Something I found a few years back is this safe organic tanning cream. I don't use it much because I love laying out in the sun for a "real tan" and the benefits of Vitamin D. But, when I don't have time to lay out, this is my go to when I need a tan. Check out my blog post about "Renewing Our Wedding Vows" to read and see photos when I used this tanning cream. I didn’t have time to lay out in the sun for that trip and this worked perfectly. To get a really good tan like you see in those photos, I applied the cream the day of the event, and then applied again 30 minutes later.

Christina's Organics Skincare

One more thing I would like to mention, just like cosmetics, non-toxic skincare is hard to find. In fact, I couldn’t find a skincare line to meet my standards, so I set out to formulate my own. 

CHRISTINA’S ORGANIC SKINCARE is non-toxic, chemical-free & safe skincare products that are healing and beneficial to the skin…for ALL skin types! Make sure to check my skincare line out too, especially my Organic Facial Scrub.

Exfoliating Facial Scrub is my absolute favorite product as well as my very first product. I use it 3-4 times a week.  It’s what I call my “mini facial” in a jar. 

THIS STEP IS CRUCIAL - Exfoliating on a regular basis is the only way to successfully eliminate the multiple layers of dead skin, dirt and makeup. Regular exfoliation helps makeup go on smoother…giving you a more youthful glow.  No matter your skin type, exfoliation brings new life to your complexion. I LOVE to use my facial scrub before an outing or photo shoot.  It makes a HUGE difference when applying makeup. I then follow the scrub with my Hydrating Face and Body Cream a few minutes before applying makeup. A little goes a long way, it doesn’t take much.

Well, I think I have covered most everything. As you can see, I like to keep my routine simple, and I'm not one to change something when it's working for me. I get so many messages and questions about what cosmetics I use, so I decided to write this blog post. I hope it's been helpful and as always, I would love to hear if you give any of these products a try.

Shop Here:

CHRISTINA’S ORGANIC SKINCARE

SHOP COSMETIC PRODUCTS:

PARABEN & GLUTEN-FREE VEGAN BEAUTY PRODUCTS

• Gabriel Pressed Mineral Powder
• Zuzu Luxe Mineral Eyeshadow (Espresso)
• Zuzu Luxe Mineral Eyeshadow (Platinum)
• Zuzu Luxe Mineral Bronzer
• Zuzu Luxe Mineral Blush
• Gabriel Cosmetics Black Mascara
• Zuzu Luxe Black Eyeliner
• Zuzu Luxe Lip Color Lipstick
• Kabuki brush
• Electric Face Roller

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