Moving this post over here...

I've decided its time to start wearing a little make-up. I remember when I was 18 and wore plenty of makeup, now I feel absolutely silly trying to buy any.

So what are good brands and are any better on the environment? (don't roll over laughing on that one)

Oh and are any brands better for a more sensitive face?

Thanks
Julie

I use bare escentuals and LOVE it! It is pure minerals from the earth to make a powder/foundation.

I sell Arbonne. Their products are formulated according to Swiss FDA guidelines, and are 100% hypoallergenic. If you'd like to look over the site, it's www.arbonne.com

http://www.leapingbunny.org/shopping_guide.htm
Try browsing here.

I use burt's bees lipstick and eyeshadow. They work pretty well. :)

I like Arbonne alot, but lots of their stuff has wheat germ oil, so I can't use it (we're strict GFCF here). If you don't have those sensitivies, I recommend it.

I also really like Merle Norman, but it's pretty mainstream.

Aveda has some awesome makeup and they use some natural ingredients, but it's pricey and can be a PITA to find.....if your local mall sells it go check them out!

MAC is amazing, and they have a recycling program.

I'm using Avon right now, as we are in a very rural area so I don't have access to malls, lol. I signed up to be a rep so I get a fantastic discount; they have a semi-natural line, and there stuff is affordable (and cheap after my discount!).

Can you tell that I love makeup?

Kristi

I haven't tried this stuff yet but saw a pamphlet at ds's school...just waiting til I finish up what I have...it's probaly pretty evil but I'm WAY too cheap to throw it away! :)


http://www.drhauschka.com/index.html

body Shop is the grandmother of conscience retailing.

Rachel ??I don't remember, is also pretty famous.It ahs the art deco looking packaging, I see it at Central Market a lot.

jason, although I was told that by a guy.

There's DIY for some.

dr hauschka is a famous green company.

kiehls (??) I think. I could be wrong.

Origins is supposed to be environmentally conscious, but do your research. It's under the Estee Lauder umbrella, as is MAC, and Jane, and Bobbi Brown. So it might just look sincere.

I like Clinique, and it hasn't a single green claim to it's name. I suppose I could stretch, and say the soap lasts six to nine months, they expect you to reuse the soap container. And honestly, it works for me cosmetically b/c I am both clueless and perfectionist, and need someone holding my hand to choose cosmetics.

kiehls (??) I think. I could be wrong.>>>

Very good, but very pricey!

I'd suggest inter-library loaning or buying the book called "Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me" and "The Beauty Bible" by Paula Begoun. (I may have mispelled that last name)

You'll find recommendations for sensitive skin in all kinds of various price ranges... and she does also point out eco-friendly/non-animal testing companies too.

This is how I found what I currently use and I'm saving a lot of money compared to the expensive cosmetics and skin care I use to buy.

Michelle

I just got a bunch of stuff from www.eyeslipsface.com
Everything is a $1! It is not animal tested and it is hypoallergenic.
Great stuff and cheap too :)

The Burt's Bees makeup is nice. My HFS sells Burt's and a brand called Zia. I tried a sample of their pressed powder and it does seem very good. For my lips, I use Terra Tints.

I just got a bunch of stuff from www.eyeslipsface.com
Everything is a $1! It is not animal tested and it is hypoallergenic.
Great stuff and cheap too :)

I use this too and it's great! They also give money to charity from product sales. I have no clue how they do everything with only charging $1, but it's good for me. I just got an email that said that Target would be selling thier stuff!

I handcraft my own line of mineral makeup. You can see it at www.herbsofgrace.com


Vanessa
www.herbsofgrace.com

Many cosmetics companies that are "cruely free" are now using "fibroblasts," derived from infant foreskin (only useful if it's without anesthetic, so from non anesthitized circs) to test their products.

"Manufacturers now using
Testskin include Est'e Lauder Inc., Mary Kay Cosmetics Inc., Avon Products
Inc., and Amway Corp. " http://www.the-scientist.com/yr1991...ear_910722.html


I also read "Avon Products Inc., Colgate-Palmolive Co., the Dial Corp., the Gillette Co., Johnson & Johnson, Estee Lauder Inc., Noxell Corp., Procter & Gamble Co. and Revlon Inc." but I don't have time to dig through all the links just now.

Also, some anti-wrinkle creams actually contain foreskin as an ingredient, calling it "TNS Recovery."

While I suppose it's good for the environment (referring to the title of the post) to recycle body parts rather than throw them out, personally I have stopped using Avon products because I have no desire to put any money toward the infant circumcision business. Bandages for burn patients, I could almost stomach, but not cosmetics, not useful andperfect pieces cut from little boys. To me, that's no better than animal testing.

OMG! I had NO idea that Avon tested on them! I specifically stopped buying Mary Kay because of this, and for some reason I thought that Avon didn't. Is there a list of companies that don't?

There was a good thread on this at MDC, and what people were saying is that it's difficult to determine if companies are using them, because they use different terminology to "hide" the fact that they are using it, if that makes sense.

This is a HUGE issue to me, and I really want to find a company that doesn't do this.......I was told that Arbonne doesn't, but I can't use many of their products due to the wheat germ oil.

Thanks,
Kristi

Kristi,

I wasn't sure what the rules are here about referring to other forums, so I didn't, but I pulled most of that info above from MDC. There are like 5 or 6 fabulous threads chock full of great links. I looked for a list of folks who didn't. If I remember correctly, Burts Bees was one. The term is "fibroblasts," and when askign about testing, it's best to do it in writing and to use that term over "foreskin" as it's less inflammatory and more likely to get an answer.

If you do find such a list, I would be very much interested in learning about it!

Vanessa -- I checked out your site and it's great! I'm considering getting a sample pack sometime. How hard is it to use for th emakeup dummy?

Also, does anybody know a good source for "crunchy" mascara? I've heard a lot of great things about Burt's makeup, but they don't do mascara -- I just love the way it looks on my eyes but since I haven't bought makeup since I got married 5 years ago, some even longer than that, it's probably tiem to ditch what I've got since I'm waaay past my due date on that! :LOL

Kristi

I like Burt's Bees makeup. At first it was hard to switch from using powder makeups to the creme' ones that Burt's Bees makes - but you can kinda' see how powders would be drying to the skin.

Vanessa -- I checked out your site and it's great! I'm considering getting a sample pack sometime. How hard is it to use for th emakeup dummy?

Also, does anybody know a good source for "crunchy" mascara? I've heard a lot of great things about Burt's makeup, but they don't do mascara -- I just love the way it looks on my eyes but since I haven't bought makeup since I got married 5 years ago, some even longer than that, it's probably tiem to ditch what I've got since I'm waaay past my due date on that! :LOL

Kristi


Kristi,

Thanks! Mineral makeup is a little different in terms of application than liquid foundation. Once you get the hang of it though, you'll find that it's much more versatile. The most important application tip I can give you is that you only need to use a *very* small amount. You need to apply it in really sheer layers instead of one thick layer. That way you have much more control over the amount of coverage you want and can acheive a very natural look. You can mix it with water, or moisturizer to make a cream foundation (if you prefer), or apply it dry with a high quality brush or flocked sponge. There are so many ways to use it, it's actually quite fun to play around with. I have an article on application tips at: http://www.herbsofgrace.com/mineral-makeup-applying-tips.php for lots more detailed info.

As far as the crunchy mascara goes, I too wish I could find some! The problem is that there are no reliable natural preservatives, and with a product that is as easily contaminated as mascara, and is being applied so close to your eye, you really *need* a preservative. All the natural makeup manufacturers I know are just waiting with baited breath for someone to find an all natural preservative!

Vanessa
www.herbsofgrace.com

I use Burt's Bees everything. The only other thing I buy is MAC powder (Studio Fix). I have oily skin so the cover-up & tinted moisturizer are not for me.

I love the Burt's Bees lip shimmers & lip stick. I wear the Fig lipstick & people always ask where I got it. It's a nice earthy tone that seems like it would work well on most.

I have extremely sensitive & allergic skin. I was pleasantly surprised that I can use Burt's Bees products. I can even use their facial soaps, toner & carrot cream.

I believe that Rachel Perry is the other brand? I always remember seeing the big display at the health food store.

P.S. Burts Bees has an outlet at their online site. They often have make-up grab bags & single make up products as well. They are supposedly seconds or extras but I've bought quite a few & they are fine to use.

Thanks for all the ideas!

I'd suggest inter-library loaning or buying the book called "Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me" and "The Beauty Bible" by Paula Begoun. (I may have mispelled that last name)

You'll find recommendations for sensitive skin in all kinds of various price ranges... and she does also point out eco-friendly/non-animal testing companies too.

This is how I found what I currently use and I'm saving a lot of money compared to the expensive cosmetics and skin care I use to buy.

Michelle

ita... also check out her web site. It has some reveiws on it!
http://www.cosmeticscop.com/

Many cosmetics companies that are "cruely free" are now using "fibroblasts," derived from infant foreskin (only useful if it's without anesthetic, so from non anesthitized circs) to test their products.

"Manufacturers now using
Testskin include Est'e Lauder Inc., Mary Kay Cosmetics Inc., Avon Products
Inc., and Amway Corp. " http://www.the-scientist.com/yr1991...ear_910722.html


I also read "Avon Products Inc., Colgate-Palmolive Co., the Dial Corp., the Gillette Co., Johnson & Johnson, Estee Lauder Inc., Noxell Corp., Procter & Gamble Co. and Revlon Inc." but I don't have time to dig through all the links just now.

Also, some anti-wrinkle creams actually contain foreskin as an ingredient, calling it "TNS Recovery."

While I suppose it's good for the environment (referring to the title of the post) to recycle body parts rather than throw them out, personally I have stopped using Avon products because I have no desire to put any money toward the infant circumcision business. Bandages for burn patients, I could almost stomach, but not cosmetics, not useful andperfect pieces cut from little boys. To me, that's no better than animal testing.

:wah: How sickening. :( We buy Tom's Toothpaste, and I make our own body soap. We have Jason's Shampoo right now and also Healthy Times Shampoo (we got both shampoo's at the food bank, actually).

I have some Body Shop makeup, but I don't wear it right now. I also have some Zia pressed powder and a Zia eye pencil. Don't use that, either. :D I like all the makeup, though, just not into getting dressed up, I guess.

Vanessa, your website looks awesome I am going to save it on my favorites and hopefully soon I will be able to order some products.

BTW how do you know which color you are as far as the powder goes?? and do you have samples of the lip colors as well??

Thanks

Vanessa, your website looks awesome I am going to save it on my favorites and hopefully soon I will be able to order some products.

BTW how do you know which color you are as far as the powder goes?? and do you have samples of the lip colors as well??

Thanks

Thanks for the compliment!
Regarding the foundation powders, getting tester sizes of the shades that look closest to your skintone from the swatches on the site is the best way to go. I have a sample kit that includes your choice of 2 foundation shades and 4 colors (the colors are multi-purpose; they can be used for eyes, cheeks, lips, etc) for $6. That's really the best way to try out a variety of colors and shades. The only thing I don't have sample sizes of are the vegan lip balms and lip luminosity.

Feel free to ask if you have any other questions.

Thanks again,
Vanessa
www.herbsofgrace.com

Thanks for the compliment!
Regarding the foundation powders, getting tester sizes of the shades that look closest to your skintone from the swatches on the site is the best way to go. I have a sample kit that includes your choice of 2 foundation shades and 4 colors (the colors are multi-purpose; they can be used for eyes, cheeks, lips, etc) for $6. That's really the best way to try out a variety of colors and shades. The only thing I don't have sample sizes of are the vegan lip balms and lip luminosity.

Feel free to ask if you have any other questions.

Thanks again,
Vanessa
www.herbsofgrace.com

Do your products come with instructions on how to apply them? Like for example... you said the colors can be used for your lips, does it tell how to do that??? I am sort of a make-up dumbo!!

Thanks again

I have an article on application tips at: http://www.herbsofgrace.com/mineral-makeup-applying-tips.php for lots more detailed info.[/url]

:rolleyes: duh never mind!!

i use cory cosmetics (mineral makeup)
she has samples of everything for a super low price $0.35 (that way you can try out different things and not wind up with a huge tube of something you can't use)
http://corycosmetics.com/
she is also very sweet to deal with.

This mineral makeup seems like its the hot thing right now. The more I look into makeup, the better it seems. I checked out Vanessas site and will check out the cory cosmetics one too. I just hate buying things I can't actually see the colors of, you know? Can you buy mineral makeup in any stores?

Also what eyeshadow color & liner is good for grey eyes? I always see info for other colored eyes, but not for grey. I'd really like to make them pop out (not literally ;) )

Just wanted to add. I've read Paula Begoun's Dont go to the Cosmetics Counter without Me. I found it fascinating and helpful. But she doesn't care one lick about natural products, impact on the environment or animal testing. She marks down all the natural companies for having "irritating botanicals" in them and for being priced too highly for containing unecessary essential oils and organic ingredients, things that she doesn't see as being worth paying for. She's actually kind of biased anti-natural if that's possible. I really enjoyed her information, but disagreed with much of it in practice. I love Kiss My Face's sensitive skin lotion, she gives it low marks, and am extremely sensitive and prone to eczema. IMO, read it with a grain or two of salt.

Astoria

I use (ridiculously expensive, but I get it in bulk) ABBA shampoo. It makes my hair look amazing. It claims to be "natural" -- I wonder though if anyone knows anything about this. Somehow I doubt it.

I contacted Avon regarding using the foreskin derived "Testskin" product, and they claim (in writing) that they don't use it anymore. Hmmm.....what to believe?

Kristi

Also what eyeshadow color & liner is good for grey eyes? I always see info for other colored eyes, but not for grey. I'd really like to make them pop out (not literally ;) )

Greys, blue greys and purple greys should work very well with grey eyes. Also, if you have any flecks of a different color in your eyes (blue, green, gold, etc.), matching your shadow to that color can produce dramatic effects.

Vanessa
www.herbsofgrace.com

I use (ridiculously expensive, but I get it in bulk) ABBA shampoo. It makes my hair look amazing. It claims to be "natural" -- I wonder though if anyone knows anything about this. Somehow I doubt it.

Astoria,

I looked up the ingredients of ABBA shampoo, and although they use lots of natural ingredients, the thing I would be most concerned about is that they use parabens. Parabens have recently been linked with breast cancer. Studies have found parabens in the breast tissue of women who died of bresat cancer. They don't yet know exactly what this means, but, nonetheless, they are linked. I, personally, stay far away from anything that contains parabens.

Vanessa
www.herbsofgrace.com