Green Beauty & The Beast!

I've recently published this article in my Green Pages. For me it is a subject that I am so passionate about, but many women (and men!) remain blissfully unaware of the facts. That is why I've decided to create a Squidoo lens because I feel it is necessary to raise awareness.

It's also worth pointing out at this stage that the information is not just restricted to womens cosmetics. It applies to family toiletries including, most ludicrously of all BABY PRODUCTS!

Creams, lotions, colours & potions!

No it's not the first line of a wiccan spell, it's just what the majority of people keep in their bathroom in order to make themselves feel better, to look after themselves. And most people use their judgement on which products to purchase based on advertising, ethical perception of a brand or just "what is says on the tin"!...Well, I don't, and neither should you.

When the highest paid models are pouting their painted lips for the latest ad campaign for Brand X Y or Z, they never give a sexy smile and say "you can smear cancer causing chemicals all over your face just like me". Hmm, doubt that would sell many products.

And don't be fooled by the lovely printed hessian label with a picture of some flower and a coconut that proclaims "Natural Coco Gloopy Stuff". The coco part of the product may be the only natural thing in amongst all the other nasties!

Here's some links that will help you do just that. The first time I visited these sites I plugged in the names of some very well known high street brands, including the "ethical" natural ones; I don't mind saying I was horrified at the level of harmful ingredients in their products.

Not only this, but I found a huge brand that does not test their products on animals, and they own one of the "ethical/natural" brands GOOD yes!?...Um NO, because another major brand that they own does test on animals.

Maybe it's time for a change. Instead of cosmetic companies declaring "no animal testing" etc etc, in my opinion they should have to state on any advertising if they do test on animals. IN BIG LETTERS! They should then add to this which harmful chemicals are added to their products. Only then might they stop adding all this crap and paying models to smile about it.

Go see for yourself, but don't have nightmares, just don't buy dangerous products anymore!

Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety

Campaign for Safe Cosmetics

I don't want to use this space to push any one brand in particular because there are so many good, natural, organic and safe brands on the market. It's just unfortunate that the majority of these are not available on the high street or in supermarkets.

That doesn't mean however that they are difficult to obtain. With online shopping people are now able to buy products from around the world and have them shipped right to their door.

Below I shall produce a list of online companies that I regularly buy from.

The one range that I count as my "must haves" is Bare Escentuals mineral make up. I use it daily and have done for quite a few years. It makes my skin look fantastic. (I buy mine from QVC in the UK).

There have been some scares with regard to mineral make-ups, but the Bare Escentuals brand scores very well for safety on both the Skin Deep listings and in this report on National Geographics' Green Guide.com (read pages 1 & 2)