Did you know that many of our beauty products contain ingredients that can cause reproductive toxicity, allergens, and even cancer? For most of my life I have heard these reports but refused to change my lifestyle for several reasons: I didn’t have time to research what products were safe, I didn’t want to spend more than $3 on mascara, I figured everything else apparently causes cancer so aren’t we doomed anyways, etc., etc. As I am getting older, I have taken my mortality into consideration more and more. My friend, Shawna Gall, recommended this website to me so that I could easily check out what products have high and low hazard scores. I thought it was interesting how some products that claim to be natural and organic have just as high of scores as those drugstore brands we’ve been told to avoid. In the spirit of discovery, I decided today to go to Sephora and check out some of their natural brands. The cosmetologist gave me a mini makeover with some of their top sellers: Bare Essentials, Tarte, and Josie Maran.
What I have on: bareMinerals SPF 15 Matte Foundation in Light $28, bareMinerals 100% Natural Lipcolor in Passion Berry $15, Tarte’s A Perfect Whirled - Natural Cheek Stain $30, and Josie Maran’s On the Fringe mascara in Black $22.
So how do these products stack up? (The lower the score, the less hazardous)
- Bare Essentials Foundation: 2
- Bare Essentials Lipstick: 4
- Tarte Check Stain: 5-6
- Josie Maran Mascara: N/A
Bare Essentials Foundation and Lipstick
As the numbers show, just because a product has a natural label does not necessarily mean it’s safe. I ended up purchasing the Bare Essentials products, which overall have pretty low ratings and high quality coverage. Using the website I linked above is an easy way to check out your favorite brand’s ratings.
~Maria
Affordable Alternative:
Physicians Formula Organic Wear (I use their tinted moisturizer)
Andrea bittner
4 months ago
Unfortunately, Bare Minerals are only milled 3 times. The problem with this is that if you overwork the mineral on your face, it will take on a metallic sheen, that can also look like b ad bruising. It also does not always photograph well. A better alternative is Jane Iredale Minerals, which are milled 12 times.
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admin
4 months ago
Awesome suggestion Andrea! I just checked out their score in the database and they have very low hazard ratings. Where can we purchase this brand?
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Andrea bittner
4 months ago
Unfortunately, with Elephant Pharmacy gone, it’s harder to find Jane. There are many salons around the bay area that carry her though. There is one in the Two Worlds shopping center by the Pleasant Hill park on Gregory/Cleveland. There is one called Bella Salon by my home on Sunnyvale Ave in Walnut Creek. There is a medispa above Tiffany’s in Walnut Creek. And there is a salon at the end of Alhambra/Pleasant Hill Road near Taylor in Pleasant Hill. I don’t know the name to all of the salons, but can give good directions…
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Kimberly
4 months ago
Hi Maria,
I’m having fun reading your blog. I would like to try the Bare Minerals, but haven’t been able to yet because of the cost and fear that I would spend the money and not like it.
I’ve read that it’s important to be careful not to inhale the particles as you apply those type of mineral foundations, because the particles may not be good for one’s lungs. Makeup artist, Shelly Ballestero, says she has her clients hold their breath while she applies it.
Some other natural products I’ve found that you might want to try are the MyChelle products (http://www.mychelle.com/) or the Dr.Hauschka products (http://www.drhauschka.com/). These can both be found at places like Whole Foods. I usually check Amazon or iherb for reviews first before purchasing. I have tried MyChelle’s lipsticks called “Little Kisses.” I would recommend finding a tester at a store first (to try on your hand) because the colors on my monitor were not the same as the actual lipsticks at the store. They did take some getting used to, and I almost gave up, it’s very different from the Revlon ColorStay. They are kind of more like a lip stain. I love knowing I’m not putting lead on my lips. I use it for everyday wear and use my ColorStay for days when I want to be absolutely sure it stays without my rechecking.
Hope that helps in your search.
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admin
4 months ago
Hi Kimberly, thanks for your comment! Although Bare Minerals has a hefty cost compared to drugstore brands, it lasts for a LONG time. I bought the starter kit over two years ago and have yet to run out. Definitely try it in the store before hand to find the best shade for you.
I have actually heard Dr.Hauschka is a really good brand, thanks for your suggestion! I will have to try them out soon. I am hoping to do an update post in the near future.
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Kimberly
4 months ago
Hi Maria,
Thanks for letting me know about the Bare Minerals. I have always wondered which was better, the Bare Minerals or Sheer Cover. The Amazon.com comments seem to favor the Bare Minerals. It’s nice to hear your opinion and that it has lasted so long (that is a really long time).
I’m looking forward to hear more about your cosmetic discoveries in the future.
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Kristin
3 months ago
I like checking out the new cosmetics on the database. I used to direct sell cosmetics and many of the products had a high score. Another blogger suggested Alima for foundation. Their ratings are 1-3 and I really like them. You can purchase sample sizes. When you return empty full size containers, they recycle the container and give you a discount on a future purchase. For mascara, someone suggested Larenim (rating of 4). It’s a LOT thinner than mascara we’re used to but my eyes didn’t dry out like they did with regular mascara.
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admin Reply:
November 23rd, 2009 at 2:11 pm
Thanks Kirstin! This is awesome information:) I do hate the reaction mascara gives me, so I’ll have to try this out.
PS – Be sure to enter yourself in the contest to win $100!
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latisse
3 months ago
eyelashes super
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