My favorite smart and sexy website EcoStiletto.com is giving away of all things—shoes! Every month this year they are giving away $500.00 worth of eco-friendly shoes to lucky subscribers. But that’s just a bonus. What I love most about this site is the beauty and fashion blogs. Keeping up with all the eco cosmetics and clothes is tough to do so these blogs are invaluable resources for me. I always find something new I want to try. Watch Rachel Sarnoff’s campy video on eco-fashion http://ecostiletto.com/index.php?/Beauty/video/.  Because every eco-babe ought to know! xo

I am constantly trying new products in search of that chemically safe miracle cream. You know the one. That all-in-one product that firms, lifts, plumps, hydrates, erases fine lines, makes your skin glow and takes years off your face. Yeah, that one. I haven’t found it yet, but while searching I’ve come across some pretty amazing skin care products. BTW, when I find that miracle product you’ll be the first to know about it.

Revolution Organics is so clean you could almost eat it. I love everything about this line.  They are USDA Organic certified and 100% natural. Their All-Over Skin Crème has 15 nourishing organic ingredients and is water free for a rich concentrated formula. I slather it on my entire body after I shower.  Also try: 1 Product 22+ Uses All-Over Body Balm. It’s so handy that I keep it in my professional kit.  It does practically everything but the dishes. It’s a genius money saver and perfect for our current economic climate. http://revolutionorganics.com

Garden Girl products are free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and petroleums. And they are committed to maintaining “green” business practices too. My absolute fav product is the Magic Anti-Aging Serum. I swear I can feel it firming the skin around my eyes. Also try: Starting Over Microdermabrasion Scrub. Don’t be fooled by the pretty packaging, it’s serious skin care. http://gardengirlskincare.com

Prometheus Cosmetics are free of parabens, artificial colors and fragrances and they are rich with anti-oxidants. I am addicted to their Radiant Glow Anti-Oxidant Day Moisturizer. It’s infused with grapefruit and sweet orange peel oil. It’s super light weight so I can use it daily under my makeup without the heavy feel. Also try: Kissable Lip Plumper. It tastes like cinnamon and cloves. Yummy. http://www.prometheuscosmetics.com

Pharmacy and personal care products (PPCPs) are starting to get more media and mainstream attention. Recent studies by the University of Gothenburg, in Sweden, The Baylor University in the US and a joint study by the Birmingham and Warwick Universities in the UK highlight potential hazards caused by pollution from a range of household products including personal care. The studies indicate how certain chemicals have been detected in waterways, the sea and in farm land, stressing the potential hazards associated with these toxins.

These eco chic brushes are my tools of choice. The entire range of  brushes features bamboo handles (bamboo has a low impact on the earth’s resources since it is a highly sustainable plant that can grow up to 4 feet daily). The bristles are made of animal-free Taklon, a soft pliable synthetic hair, and metallic ferrule made of recycled aluminum cans. EcoTools brushes are sold in reusable pouches printed with a plant-based ink. Best of all they’re affordable and easy to find. Single brushes range from $2.99 to $7.99 at Walgreens, Kmart and Ulta. Try their 6 piece brush set for only $12.99. It’s a steal.

Nude skincare is AMAZING. I met founder Bryan Meehan (a delightful Brit) at Barney’s Beverly Hills while shopping for green cosmetics and I have been hooked on Nude every since. I’ve been using the Cleansing Facial Oil for nearly 6 months now and I love it. My skin has never looked better. It’s gentle and detergent free. Recently, I tried the Replenishing Night Oil. It’s equally as fab. I use it at night and during the day under my makeup. It’s light and absorbs into the skin quickly. And of course, it’s chemically safe. In fact, Nude is as green as it gets. There’s no parabens, sulphates, PEGs, propylene glycol, TEA, DEA, phthalates, mineral oil, silicones, GM and potential carcinogens. They are carbon neutral and their sleeves are corn biodegradable. It’s a must have this winter.

While shopping for green products at Ulta recently I noticed that Lorac has gone green. Hooray! This is great news. It means that green makeup is becoming mainstream and much easier to get your hands on. Soon all brands will be chemically safe. This foundation is an oil, paraben and fragrance free formula with super soothing natural ingredients. It’s perfect for sensitive skin. Her new formulas are also talc free. Alas we have choices.

 

Ken Cook, EWG

 “What’s Going On? Toxic chemicals in our toys, cosmetics and bodies” is a powerful presentation and discussion co-hosted by the Environmental Working Group, Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and Healthy Child Healthy World. Ken Cook, President of EWG, discussed the 287 chemicals found in the blood of 10 special people in a multimedia presentation called “Ten Americans.”  Stacy Malkan of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and author of Not Just a Pretty Face: The Ugly Side of the Beauty Industry read an excerpt from her book about toxic chemicals in personal care products. Christopher Gavigan, author of Healthy Child Healthy World and Executive Director of the non-profit with the same name, provided simple steps to reduce children’s exposure to toxic chemicals.

Stacy Malkan, Author

I attended the discussion. I was astounded. Everyone should be aware of the findings in “Ten Americans.” Here’s what I found out:

1) A random sampling of blood of Ten Americans was analyzed for chemicals by two independent laboratories in 2004.

2) Results were similar to previous studies showing each person’s body was contaminated with hundreds of chemicals including home cleaning products, personal care products and industrial chemicals such as pesticides, stain repellents, flame retardants, plasticizers and PCBs that were banned 30 years ago.

3) A total of 287 chemicals were detected in the blood, including 180 chemicals that cause cancer in humans or animals, 217 that are toxic to the brain and nervous system, and 208 that cause birth defects or abnormal development in animals.

4) The 10 Americans had never worked in a factory or a field; had never cleaned a home or used any personal care products.

5) The 10 Americans were fetuses.

I urge you to watch this amazing discussion with Ken Cook. To download this presentation go to http://www.tides.org/index.php?id=980

Paige

xo