The beauty industry is currently a wild west where companies can and do use harmful chemicals. In the last few years there has been a surge in companies creating “natural” or “green” cosmetics, so how do you understand which products are actually safer? And of those companies, which products actually work? Here’s some tips for what to avoid if you want your makeup to be free of the really bad stuff.

1 – BHT/BHA

Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) are common makeup preservatives that have been linked to skin irritation, organ toxicity and hormone disruption. In fact the European Commission on Endocrine Disruption classified BHA as a “class 1” hormone disrupting chemical.

2 – Fragrance/Parfum

“Fragrance” is a loophole for companies to hide ingredients because they don’t have to tell you what the ingredients are.  Hiding behind that simple word “fragrance” on your ingredient list are allergens and hormone-disrupting chemicals like phthalates.

3 – Heavy metals

Heavy metals are not intentionally added to cosmetic products but are contaminants of raw materials and the manufacturing process. They won’t be listed on the ingredient list, so you’ll have to rely on your cosmetic company testing every batch for heavy metals and trying to control for the lowest levels possible.

4-Carcinogens

• Coal Tar: found in hair dyes, shampoos, dandruff/scalp treatment and redness/rosacea treatment
• Mineral oil: in your eye shadow, moisturizer, lip gloss, lipstick, conditioner, hair color and bleaching, facial treatment, styling gel/lotion, blush and concealer
• Crystalline silica: found in lipsticks, lip gloss, eye shadow, eye liner, foundation, sunscreen, lotion and shampoo

5- Petrolatum

• Is an ingredient often found in lipsticks and is often contaminated with carcinogens that lead to higher risks for breast cancer. Skip it!

Safer Makeup That Actually Works:

Check EWG’s Skin Deep site to see how your products stack up safety wise (The app version is ThinkDirty) or if you want my “easy-button” for switching to safe products check out Beautycounter and my recommendations below. All of these products have been designed, tested and formulated by one of LA’s top celebrity makeup artists, so when I say they work, they do.

• Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 20: dewy, helps even skin tone. (I use #1 and #2)
• Foundation: lasts all day, doesn’t clump or move, natural, buildable. (I use a combo of Linen and Porcelain)
• Concealer: covers dark eyes, spots, and scars. (I use “light”.)
• Blush: both cream and powder blush deliver great results. Cream blush doubles as lipstick.
• Eye Shadow: natural tones for a natural look
• Lipstick: creamy, try the Scarlet, a universally flattering red
• Brow pencil: beautiful pigment, comes with a shaping brush
• Lipgloss: not tacky, hints of vanilla, Bare Shimmer is my favorite shade
• Bronzer: for a summer kissed glow, or contouring

I love to talk safe makeup – please reach out if I can help with samples, product recommendations or questions.  Beautycounter has a 2 month guarantee with free return shipping so you can try before you commit.