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Mineral Makeup Reviews

July 23rd, 2008 | By Kendra

If you’ve been following along recently, you know that I have been searching for healthier makeup options after learning how toxic a lot of the chemicals are in the cosmetics that we use. I decided to order some samples of mineral makeup just to try. In my searching for truly quality products I have found that up front the makeup seems quite expensive compared to at store products. Once I received some samples, however, I realize that for the amount of makeup that you get, and how little it actually takes to apply, the mineral makeup actually isn’t such a bad deal. Your initial cost will be greater, but the right stuff will last for a very long time.

I decided to order samples from Ulew and Signature Minerals. My Mother-in-law loves mineral makeup, and actually had some to give me that she wasn’t using, so I was also able to try Bare Minerals as well. Here is what I think:

Ulew- Initially I didn’t see the samples available on the website, so I emailed the company and asked if they offered any. I was very pleased with the quick, friendly response, and was surprised when they offered me a couple of extra samples on the side just for my interest. I placed my order, and about 5 days later I received my samples in the mail. I ordered two liquid foundation samples, and also received two free concealer samples. The samples cost me $9.45 shipped which ended up being a lot to me since they were only one time use sample packets. Though I haven’t used the liquid foundation yet (I’m saving them for a good time!), I did try the concealer and found that it works very well.

Signature Minerals- I was very pleased to find on this website that they are offering a FREE Sampler Kit (though you do have to pay shipping). I ordered this customized kit and also bought a small Kabuki brush since you have to use this special brush to apply the mineral powder. They had the best deal I could find on these brushes, and since it didn’t add to my shipping cost I thought it would be wise to get one with my order. I got a Baby Buki Brush, since it was the cheapest at $10. With shipping, the free sampler kit and the buki brush came up to $15.35. So, without the brush it would have only been $5.35.

I received my order in a speedy two days, via UPS. When I opened the package I was very pleased with the generous size of the samples. Honestly, there is enough in these little containers to last at least a month, probably even two (and I am a makeup every day kind of person)! I love how they go on, and how my skin feels when wearing them. Very good deal! And you can order more sample kits if you’d like to try other shades.

i.d. Bare Minerals- Like I said, I didn’t have to buy any of these since my MIL gave them to me (what a blessing!). I haven’t found any samples to order online. You can buy them at various boutiques though and they may possibly have samples to try in the store. I have really enjoyed using these, and the Kabuki brush is a must have for these as well. It does take a little longer for me to get ready in the mornings now, but I think once I get used to using the brush and get more practice I will get faster with the application.

Overall Opinion-

Cons: The downfall to using the powder minerals is that it can be messy. It’s hard not to lose powder from the container because you have to tap a small amount into a lid or something to swirl the brush in before applying. I feel like I’m wasting money every time I lose some powder onto the counter. It also takes longer to apply.

Pros: It feels good knowing that what I am putting on my face every day is actually good for my skin, and not toxic to my body. I don’t have to worry when I pick up my baby that possibly dangerous chemicals might be rubbing off onto his tender little face. I was surprised at the coverage it gives, and I am very pleased with how natural the look is. It only takes just a little powder to go a long way. Though initially expensive (I do have a birthday coming up soon, hint hint, family) I plan on continuing using mineral makeup at least for foundation if nothing else.

If you use mineral makeup, or know of any good deals, I’d love for you to share with us!!

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Healthier Makeup Options

July 10th, 2008 | By Kendra

Since writing my post Are We Poisoning Ourselves With Makeup? some of you have voiced your concerns, and have asked for suggestions for healthier makeup options. Well, don’t fret, I’ve done some researching for ya, and I’m here to share what I’ve found to help you get on your way to truly healthier cosmetics. This is only a list of safer cosmetic products. I haven’t even gotten to other beauty products… so hang in there! These ratings are based on the findings from Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database. It’s an extensive listing of some good alternatives for you to use that you can find at any major drug or super store (CVS, Target, Walmart…).

All are reasonably priced compared to more expensive “natural” options. So don’t feel like it’s going to cost a fortune to replace all of your old, harmful stuff. I am going to slowly replace my makeup collection, starting with foundation, since that’s what I use the most of. I have so much stuff stored up from CVSing, it hurts me to not use it, but I guess I can sell it. I’m ready for a healthier approach to beautifying my face!! So, are you with me?? Here’s a great list of ideas to get you headed in the right direction:

*Remember the scoring: 0-2 low hazard; 3-6 moderate hazard; 7-10 high hazard

To help you out, I’ve included the prices for some of those I could find.

Though some of these brand’s products rated HIGH hazard, these particular ones came in with good reviews:

Eyes:

Eye Liners:

Brow Liners:

  • Boots No. 7 Beautiful Brow Pencil; Rated 2: low hazard

Mascara:

Eye Shadows:

Lips:

Lip Sticks:

Lip Liners:

Lip Gloss:

  • Boots No. 7 High shine Lip Gloss- Ice; Rated 1: low hazard (though other shades were rated moderate hazard) ($7.99)
  • Boots No. 7 Stay Perfect Lip Lacquer; Rated 2 ($9.99)

Face:

Concealer:

Foundation:

Powder:

Blush:

Bronzer/Highlighter:

Yep, that outta cover it!! So copy it, print it, and take it with you the next time you go makeup shopping. I’m going to bed now! See ya!

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Yes, there are safer (& cheaper) deodorant’s on the market!!

July 10th, 2008 | By Kendra

Speaking of Homemade deodorant and natural/organic products, during some researching I’ve found that there are some safer (of course homemade is the safest!), regular brand deodorants that you can buy anywhere. Yay!! We don’t have to be wet and sweaty to feel good about what we are using. Now, being health conscious doesn’t have to be extreme, just aware!! (All are rated Low Hazard):

1. Kiss My Face Active Enzyme Deo Stick, Lavender antiperspirant/deoderant (old formula)

2. Ban Classic Clear Gel & Original Roll On, Unscented; Classic Invisible Solid (Unscented, Powder Fresh)

3. Almay Clear Gel Stick (Unscented) & Stay Dry Hydro Solid (Powder Fresh, Soothing Aloe)

4. Lady Mitchum Clear Gel, Unscented

5. Speed Stick Solid, Unscented

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Stored In Frugality, Natural Living, Saving Money- Frugal Ideas

Homemade Deodorant Review

July 9th, 2008 | By sashwhy

A little over a week ago, Kendra posted a recipe for homemade deodorant . Since she didn’t have all of the ingredients on hand (and I did), we decided that I should go ahead and try it out then give a review.

I have tried several natural brands from the health food stores, but they were never a raving success (according to my husband :) ). So, I was excited to try again to see if perhaps this would work.

Let me say that, first of all, no homemade deodorant is going to measure up with Secret, Sure or whatever top brand is out there. It just won’t. Those deodorants have chemicals that the natural D.O.’s don’t have and that’s why they work so well. If you want to say goodbye to the unwanted chemicals, then you have to make a compromise.

That being said, here is my humble review:

  1. If you are used to a clean swipe in the underarm with a D.O. stick, this may be too messy for you. The “mixture” is liquid-y so you have to scoop it out with your fingers and rub it. I didn’t mind (but I’m not all that picky when it comes to things like this) and just washed my hands afterward.
  2. I loved the scent of the lavender and tea tree oils! If you aren’t used to aromatherapy or essential oils, the smell may need to grow on you. Fortunately, I grew up around these because of my mom’s use of them, and have come to love the natural scents. They are by no means like the perfumy D.O. smells that we are used to.
  3. The D.O. did not keep me from sweating (I didn’t completely expect it to), though, it did keep me dryer than I expected and even more so than the store-bought natural D.O.’s did. So I was pleased with the result in that department :)

My overall opinion? I was very pleased with it. I’m planning on using it from now on, if that means anything.

I would like to make a note, however. Everyone’s body chemistry is different. So while this worked for me, it may not be as effective for you, and you may need to play around with the measurements a little.

So, there it is!

sashwhy.jpg

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Are we poisoning ourselves with makeup?

July 7th, 2008 | By Kendra

Until recently, I never even thought twice about what ingredients are in the cosmetics that I use. I guess I just always assumed that there was some government agency regulating that stuff, protecting the public. But the more that I’ve begun looking into natural alternatives for just about everything in my life, the more I am learning that the cosmetic industry is pretty much free to do whatever they want, including adding harmful ingredients and chemicals to their products.

While researching, I came across this website, which houses a database of thousands of cosmetics, listing their ingredients and the dangers associated with them. Here is a statement from their site:

“Our aim was to fill in where companies and the government leave off: companies are allowed to use almost any ingredient they wish, and our government doesn’t require companies to test products for safety before they’re sold.”

They have a safety rating of 0-10, describing safety risks. So, I decided to go through my makeup bag and see where my products rank. Here is what I found:

1. Covergirl Clean Makeup Liquid Foundation: Rated 7- High Hazard

Ingredients in this product are linked to:
yes Cancer
yes Developmental/reproductive toxicity
yes Violations, Restrictions & Warnings
yes Allergies/immunotoxicity
yes Other concerns for ingredients used in this product:

Neurotoxicity, Endocrine disruption, Persistence and bioaccumulation, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Miscellaneous, Multiple, additive exposure sources, Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Enhanced skin absorption, Contamination concerns, Occupational hazards, Biochemical or cellular level changes

2. Revlon New Complexion Concealer: I could not find this exact product, but most of the similar concealers by Revlon were rated a 7- High Hazard.

Ingredients in this product are linked to:
yes Cancer
yes Developmental/reproductive toxicity
yes Violations, Restrictions & Warnings
yes Allergies/immunotoxicity
yes Other concerns for ingredients used in this product:
Neurotoxicity, Endocrine disruption, Persistence and bioaccumulation, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Multiple, additive exposure sources, Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Enhanced skin absorption, Contamination concerns, Occupational hazards, Biochemical or cellular level changes

3. Hard Candy Old Skool Eye Shadow Quartet: Rated 6- Moderate Hazard.

Ingredients in this product are linked to:
yes Cancer
yes Developmental/reproductive toxicity
yes Violations, Restrictions & Warnings
yes Allergies/immunotoxicity
yes Other concerns for ingredients used in this product:
Neurotoxicity, Endocrine disruption, Persistence and bioaccumulation, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Multiple, additive exposure sources, Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Contamination concerns, Occupational hazards, Biochemical or cellular level changes

4. Covergirl Remarkable Waterproof Mascara (black): Rated 7- High Hazard

(I won’t list the dangers, you get the idea)

5. Maybelline Ultra Liner (Eyeliner): Rated 3- Moderate Hazard

Ingredients in this product are linked to:
yes Cancer
yes Developmental/reproductive toxicity
yes Violations, Restrictions & Warnings
yes Allergies/immunotoxicity
yes Other concerns for ingredients used in this product:
Endocrine disruption, Persistence and bioaccumulation, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Multiple, additive exposure sources, Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Enhanced skin absorption, Contamination concerns, Occupational hazards, Biochemical or cellular level changes

6. Revlon Colorstay Overtime Lip Color: Risk 3 (gloss)-6 (lipcolor)- Moderate Risk

My reaction: This is pretty scary! I seem to have chosen a lot of the most hazardous makeup to use! There are many which do rank low risk, unfortunately none of mine did. I urge you to check out your own makeup and see if it’s rated safe or not. It’s time that we start paying more attention to our health and what we are doing to our bodies! I am now researching natural and organic cosmetic products. As I learn, I will keep you informed. As I am able to try new products, I will give you my reviews.

There are many more things to review on this site, including Baby Care products. Please take a moment to check them out. I just discovered that the toothpaste I’ve been using on my baby is rated a 3- Moderate risk. That’s not good enough for me, I want ZERO risk!

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