As Valentine’s Day pictures start rolling in – the ones with lipstick kisses all over kids’ faces really intrigue me. If you really knew what was lurking in your lipsticks you’re covering your little ones’ faces and bodies with, would you really be doing it for a few pictures? A few years ago I began my journey into a more natural life, and one of the ways I started this was by changing my makeup routine. I threw away all of my drug store Maybelline, Cover Girl and even my beloved Clinique products. I did so visiting the Environmental Working Group website and flipping out over how toxic the ingredients were that I was applying to my skin daily!

The Skin Deep database is a great online resource that lists the chemical ingredients of thousands of products, and highlights a few of the worst on the list. Be aware that even the Environmental Working Group cautions against jumping to conclusions about the health threat posed by each ingredient: “Research studies have found that exposure to this ingredient — not the products containing it — caused the indicated health effect(s) in the studies reviewed by Skin Deep researchers. Actual health risks, if any, will vary based on the level of exposure to the ingredient and individual susceptibility.”

My purpose in writing this isn’t to call anyone out but to educate you and help you see what exactly you’re putting on your skin and on your kids when you kiss their sweet little faces. Here are the most common lipstick ingredients and what they cause:

• Methylparaben is a preservative used in many beauty products … at least in the U.S. Use of these chemicals is restricted in the European Union because they’ve been linked to cancer, may disrupt the endocrine system, or be toxic in other ways. The Cosmetics Database labels them a “high hazard.”
• Propylparaben is a frequently used cosmetics ingredient that can irritate skin and eyes or cause reactions in those who are allergic. Some studies have also raised concerns about endocrine disruption, cancer and other toxic effects. It is rated a “moderate hazard” by the Cosmetics Database.
• Retinyl Palmitate is a synthetic form of vitamin A that may be toxic to pregnant women. It is rated a “moderate hazard” by the Cosmetics Database because limited evidence links exposure to a range of health problems, from cancer to reproductive effects.
• Colorants, such as D&C Red 36 (rated “low hazard”), and D&C Red 22 Aluminum Lake (rated “moderate hazard”) are typically tested on animals, and have raised concerns because some research has linked exposure to nervous system damage and other health concerns.
• Tocopheryl Acetate, also known as vitamin E acetate, is used in a variety of products, including lipstick, moisturizer and foundation. The Cosmetics Database rates it as a “moderate hazard” because it may cause itching, burning, scaling, hives and skin blistering, and may be toxic.

Excuse me but I would move mountains to keep that toxic yucky mess out of my life and my children’s lives! I refuse to use products that care more about making money than the well-being of the wearer. The statistic that 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women in the US will be diagnosed with cancer is imprinted at my brain at this point. Both of my parents have been diagnosed with forms of cancer, so being healthy for myself and my family is really important to me. This has helped me become educated on companies and products that actually do care like Beautycounter.

For almost four years I’ve been an avid Beautycounter user, and their products have yet to disappoint. Beautycounter is a company devoted to consistent progress. You’ll find a wealth of empowering information about ways we can all make the world healthier, along with products you can trust are safe on their website. They promote that we all deserve better. Their vision is bold – they want to put truth back in beauty. You can read my previous posts about their Countertime line here and makeup here.

There are more than 80,000 chemicals on the market today. Many don’t have any safety data. This is particularly true of those used in the skin care and beauty industry.

“Only about 10% of the 10,000 chemicals commonly found in personal care products have safety data.”

Knowing this, I have become super selective about what products I use and even have a GREEN BEAUTY feature on my blog weekly that highlights a great company I’ve found and the products I use. I do this in hopes that y’all take some time and see how important it is to form knowledge about the products you’re using and don’t feel so overwhelmed finding ones that are beneficial for your body and well being.

My absolute favorite lip products I’ve ever used have to be my lip sheers by Beautycounter. I use them every single day and Harper girl has even had a field day playing and drawing with them in my makeup bag. Knowing exactly what the ingredients are makes me happy even walking in on her drawing all over her body with my lip products like crayons. I’m happy because I know I am using the best products and the ingredients used to make them were tested for safety not how cheap they can be made and mass produced. This year when you go to kiss your littles at your Valentine’s Day shoots, just ask yourself – what are you actually putting on your skin and your baby’s’ delicate skin when you do this?

BE MINE DUO

I’M YOURS DUO

Beautycounter is offering some pretty amazing Valentine’s Day promotions. These are discounted and packaged especially for this holiday so share this link with your significant other so you get exactly what you’ve been eyeing this year or treat yourself with these collections! Please email me with any questions that you have about beauty products and the Beautycounter line! I would love to help you make the change to a more healthy lifestyle via your makeup. If you need help matching colors please send me an email or comment on this post.