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Overview
In Eco-Beautiful, Hollywood makeup artist Lina Hanson reveals the techniques and products she uses to create stunning looks for celebrity clients such as Natalie Portman, Ellen DeGeneres, Mandy Moore, and Naomi Watts using eco friendly cosmetics. She describes in detail:
- an easy-to-follow skin care regimen for fresh, glowing skin
- the ingredients to seek out in a product, and the ones to avoid
- quick and easy application tips to make eyes pop, lips pout, and cheeks glow
- green recipes for her signature daytime and evening looks, from "Business Chic" to "Sexy Vixen"
- makeup techniques inspired by the four seasons, as well as looks tailored to a woman's age and lifestyle
With before-and-after application photos, helpful information, and green product suggestions in every price range, this is a beauty book like no other—truly eco-friendly and eco-beautiful.
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781609610685 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Harmony/Rodale |
| Publication date: | 05/12/2009 |
| Sold by: | Random House |
| Format: | eBook |
| Pages: | 208 |
| File size: | 2 MB |
About the Author
Read an Excerpt
chapter 1
GREEN IS THE NEW BLACK
Over the past few years, the "green" movement has hit our world like a tidal wave. From magazines to Web sites to blogs, it's everywhere! Going green requires an active commitment to making the planet a cleaner, better place to live--thereby ensuring a healthy future for everyone.
These days, being green is both fashionable and functional, and for many people--from middle-class moms to movie stars--environmental awareness is an integral part of everyday life. If the 1980s were about excess and the 1990s were about recovering from the 1980s, then the new millennium is about conservation.
You've probably heard and seen countless lists of things you can do to help the environment: recycle, decrease your energy usage, eat locally grown produce, shop with reusable canvas bags, own one car (preferably a hybrid), and so on. Hollywood has certainly been at the forefront of this movement. It's next to impossible not to notice celebrities tirelessly advocating worldwide environmental awareness. From Halle Berry opting to use eco- friendly diapers to the cast and crew of Grey's Anatomy using thermoses instead of plastic bottles on set, many celebrities are supporting environmental causes.
GETTING GREEN AND GORGEOUS
Some green habits are easier to adopt than others. While taking shorter showers may be a drag, using eco-friendly cosmetics couldn't be more fun! It's a great way to start greening your routine. Products that are made with only natural or botanical ingredients are better for both you and the environment. There are so many eco-friendly companies with great products these days. A few of my favorites are Josie Maran Cosmetics, Mod.Skin Labs, Benefit, Dr. Hauschka, and Bare Escentuals, whose slogan is: "Makeup so pure you can sleep in it."
Eco-friendly makeup contains vitamins and powerful antioxidants that will help your skin fight harmful free radicals. What are free radicals? Free radicals are atoms or molecules that contain an extra electron, which causes them to be unstable and to attack cells within the body. The harsh truth is that free radicals are almost everywhere--in processed foods, sunlight, cigarette smoke, and quite possibly in the air you're breathing right now. These nasty little suckers can do a number on your skin, causing cellular damage that promotes premature aging. And let's face it, none of us are getting any younger. Antioxidants have been proven to help fight the effects of free radicals, and the more, the better! A lot of eco-friendly makeup contains the powerful, free radical-abolishing vitamins A, C, and E. So not only will you look sexy on the outside, you'll also absorb these essential vitamins into your body. With eco-friendly makeup you get healthier with every stroke of the brush!
Eco-friendly makeup is good for every skin type, but it's particularly good for "problem" skin. I always tell women that one of the best things about using eco-friendly cosmetics is that it puts them in control of their own skin.
For example, I have a friend in her thirties who has suffered for years with rosacea, which can create symptoms like puffiness and redness of the cheeks, chin, nose, and forehead. Her case was mild, but still noticeable enough to make her feel self-conscious. I suggested that she start incorporating mineral makeup into her daily beauty regimen. The anti- inflammatory properties in mineral makeup made a big difference. In just a little over a month, the redness caused by her rosacea decreased tremendously. The makeup allowed her skin to breathe rather than be suffocated with heavy, caked-on foundation to hide the problem. She found a new makeup regimen that she loves and, more importantly, she developed a newfound confidence in herself.
Eco-friendly makeup comes in so many varieties that it can be hard to know which formula or product is right for you. Here's what you need to know to make the right purchases.
Mineral Makeup
There has been so much talk about mineral makeup over the last few years-- it's taking the beauty world by storm. Mineral makeup is made up of hypoallergenic loose powders that naturally nourish and enhance the skin with 100 percent pure minerals like titanium, gold, zinc, magnesium, and aluminum. These products contain none of the perfumes, dyes, talc, alcohol, mineral oil, or preservatives that can be found in most conventional makeup formulas.
The great thing about mineral makeup is that it truly works for all skin types. It's especially good for women with ultra-sensitive skin. Women who suffer from acne, dryness, clogged pores, or other skin problems find that mineral makeup actually enhances their skin tone rather than exacerbating existing problems or creating new ones. Mineral makeup never feels like a mask on your skin. The small, lightweight pigments in the minerals bind the skin together--the result is a beautiful complexion with a radiant, natural glow.
Why is mineral makeup so good for you? Simply put, the ingredients in mineral makeup come from the earth, not from a factory. Does it work as effectively as conventional cosmetics do? In my experience, mineral powder foundations actually offer the same great coverage as traditional liquid foundation. What I love best about mineral makeup is that it's so light and clean on the skin, you can mix and match it, and it never looks too heavy. It's so much fun! That said, be conservative and take your time when you first try it. Applying mineral makeup properly takes some getting used to. But don't worry--I'll share all of my favorite techniques with you in Chapter 4!
Organic and Certified Organic Makeup
Like mineral makeup, organic cosmetics are becoming more and more popular. And because they also contain ingredients that are natural and non-drying, they work for all skin types. The ingredients used in organic makeup either come directly from plants or are substances derived from plant materials. The term organic refers to the agricultural practices used to grow and process the ingredients in a product. All of the active ingredients in organic makeup are grown without chemicals or pesticides.
Just because a product is labeled "organic" or "natural" doesn't necessarily mean it's certified organic, however. When in doubt, look for the trusty USDA Organic logo. According to industry regulations, if the packaging claims that the product is organic, it must contain at least 95 percent organic ingredients. If it says "made with organic ingredients," then at least 70 percent or more of the product was made with organic ingredients, though the inactive ingredients may not be organic. Any cosmetic product labeled "Certified Organic" contains 100 percent organic ingredients. Absolutely no synthetic chemicals may be used at any stage of the production chain, from the growing to the harvesting, storage, transporting, and processing stages. The ingredients must be naturally extracted plant products and may not be genetically modified.
Organic makeup isn't difficult to find. There are many fabulous companies that offer a wide array of products. Two of my favorites are Josie Maran Cosmetics and Jane Iredale. Certified organic makeup can be a bit tougher to find and is not always available in makeup stores. You can order online from great brands like Miessence and the Organic Make-up Company, which carry full selections of products from foundations to lip glosses and everything in between.
Natural Makeup
Natural makeup is made without the addition of synthetic additives like chemical preservatives, colors, or fragrances. The majority of the ingredients in natural makeup are derived from plant extracts and/or natural ingredients. However, unlike organic makeup, the ingredients may be grown with pesticides and are not certified organic.
Keep in mind that there is no official definition of the term "natural" as it applies to cosmetics. Some products that are labeled "natural" could still use synthetics for preservation. Remember to check the label thoroughly. You have to take the manufacturer's word for it that the ingredients are natural. I recommend MyChelle and Physicians Formula products.
There are plenty of natural makeup companies that offer a complete line for a full-face makeover--foundations, bronzers, eye shadow, mascara, blushes, lipsticks, lip pencils, and lip glosses. It doesn't matter what skin type or skin tone you have, the foundations, shadows, and lipsticks all come in a wide range of colors and shades to get you looking better than ever.
A CONSCIOUS COSMETICS LINE
Josie Maran is one of the most famous models in the world, but she grew up far from the spotlight, living a bohemian childhood in northern California. Her mother never wore makeup, which inspired Josie to take a natural approach to beauty herself. Josie began her modeling career at age 12 and found huge success. She landed on the cover of Glamour magazine six times, had a stint as the iconic Guess girl, and was featured in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue 3 years in a row. While working in the fashion industry, Josie began to look at cosmetics a bit differently. "As I began to land jobs, I discovered what a lot of other girls already knew: the power of makeup," reflects Josie. "I was surprised to see how makeup could transform not just my look but also my mood!"
In 1997, Josie became the face of Maybelline, a title she held for nearly a decade. However, becoming a mother inspired Josie to launch her own eco- friendly makeup company, Josie Maran Cosmetics (josiemarancosmetics.com). It is truly a chic and "conscious" cosmetics line, made of eco-friendly ingredients and housed in biodegradable packaging. I talked with Josie about her makeup line and the importance of using eco-friendly cosmetics.
How were you first introduced to a "green" lifestyle?
I was born into a family that cares about environmental and social issues, so you could say my awareness of environmental issues was just a natural part of my upbringing. Having a daughter of my own has led me to a whole new "eco-awakening"--inspiring me to be even more conscious of our impact on the environment.
Why was creating an eco-friendly makeup line so important to you?
I was pregnant around the same time I was developing the line, and it definitely made me more aware of what I was putting inside my body and on my skin. It made me even more adamant about not using any products that contain parabens or petrochemicals or fragrances.
In your opinion, what are the major benefits of eco-friendly cosmetics?
The major benefit is knowing that while you are enhancing your beauty you are not harming your health. Putting unhealthy chemicals on your skin day in, day out, is really creating a major health problem.
These days, do you think women are becoming more environmentally friendly and aware of eco-friendly beauty?
There is so much info now about the planet and how we need to change the way we think and act. I think women are becoming very aware of how much of an impact they have and I do see many women making eco-friendly changes.
Why should women use eco-friendly cosmetics?
There are wonderful, safe, and nourishing ingredients in eco-friendly makeup.
The company which creates the eco-friendly makeup is coming from a conscious place. You do not have to sacrifice great makeup for your health anymore!
BE ON THE LOOKOUT
Even if you're looking in the right makeup categories, read all of the ingredients listed on the package. The Chemical Safe Skincare Campaign reports that the average woman uses 12 toiletries every day and applies more than 175 chemical com£ds to her body in the process. Many of these chemicals have been known to cause various skin problems. Furthermore, Chemical Safe states that 60 percent of skin-care ingredients end up being absorbed into the body. The group is demanding that cosmetics companies improve the information on their product labels.
I recently got a voice-mail message from my friend Malin who was excited to tell me about a two-for-one lipstick sale going on at a local drugstore. She said she had bought eight lipsticks in various colors. Yikes! I called Malin back and asked if she had read the ingredients label. She hadn't. Now, Malin is a personal trainer and I know she watches what she eats religiously. So I explained it to her in a way I knew she'd understand: "You read food labels at the supermarket, right? Well, the same goes for conventional cosmetics." She said she'd never heard of any of the ingredients listed on the packaging--so I asked her if she had kept the receipt. When she said yes, I said, "Return them, girlfriend!"
In September 2007, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics conducted a study of lead content in lipstick. The shocking findings were that 20 of the 33 brand-name lipsticks tested contained detectable levels of lead. Are you ready for something even scarier? None of these lipsticks listed lead as an ingredient. According to the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), exposure to high levels of lead can cause pregnant women to have miscarriages. These days, most pregnant women I know use only natural makeup because they know that what they put on their bodies is absorbed through the skin and can affect their babies, too.
Some products will make their health claims loud and clear--but the ones that are bad for you aren't exactly posting their dangers in 20-point type. There are many toxic ingredients to lookout for when reading the packages of conventional makeup. Here are a few you should always avoid.
*Propylene glycol. Used in moisturizers, it's derived from petroleum oil, which is found in automatic brakes and industrial defrosters. Propylene glycol is toxic and may damage cell membranes, causing redness, rashes, and dry skin. Even worse, it can penetrate your skin and enter your bloodstream.
*Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS). It's used as a thickener and foaming agent in shampoos, toothpastes, and cleansers, and also as a wetting agent in garage floor cleaners, engine and auto degreasers, and auto cleaning products. SLS can dissolve the oils on your skin, which can cause the skin to separate and create fine lines and wrinkles.
*Coal tar dyes. These can be found in lipstick and have produced cancer in laboratory animals.
*Parabens. These are used to prolong the shelf life of makeup and exhibit strong estrogenic activity in laboratory studies and have been shown to be transdermal (easily absorbed into the bloodstream through the skin). Parabens have also been found in many samples of breast cancer tissue.
Look for the words "paraben free" on any cosmetic label. While there is no conclusive evidence that parabens cause cancer and the cosmetics industry insists that parabens are safe, why take a chance? If there is a safe alternative available with no negative cloud surrounding it, then that's where my product loyalties will lie. I urge you to look not just at the front label, but at the back as well. That's where the real story is told.
GOOD THINGS COME IN SMART PACKAGES