Know Your Natural Makeup Ingredients
If you are checking your labels on makeup products you will naturally come across many plant extracts that will probably be familiar to you. But do you really know what they do? I’ve compiled a list of the most popular ingredients found in natural makeup and skincare products.
Allantoin
This has an epithelizing effect on rough, cracked skin. It eliminates skin flaking, makes the skin smooth and elastic, increases regeneration. Has strong regenerating and healing effect, smoothes the skin, helps cell renewal.
Aloe Vera extract
A source of flavonoids, mineral salts, vitamins. Aloe Vera extracts have excellent healing, 
regenerating and anti-inflammatory effect. In fact if you have sunburn or similar skin damage you can just squeeze the plant leave to get the juice out and then gently rub it the affected area. Aloe Vera also nourishes hair follicles which can stimulate hair growth and prevent hair loss. It provides intensive scalp care, improves hair elasticity, vitality and volume, has bactericidal and wound-healing effects.
Buckthorn extract
This has a combination of vitamins, fatty acids and sugare which provide an intensive nourishing effect
Chamomile extract
This disinfects the skin thus eliminating irritation and inflammation and also tones the skin.
It nourishes, softens and calms the skin, making it more elastic. Of course chamomile flowers can be used to make a soothing tea – also essential to keep those worry lines away!
Cornflower extract
With it’s antibacterial effect it will soothe and relieve redness. It is really great for the care of “tired” and sensitive eyelid skin.
D-panthenol (5 pro-vitamin)
This extract restores cell structure after damage, including cracks, dermatitis, burns, etc. The 5 pro-vitamin greatly nourishes and moisturizes the skin and helps to improve its structure. It readily penetrates skin & hair and is a potent moisturizer & softener of the skin, which makes the skin more elastic, soothes irritated skin (anti-inflammatory effects), heals minor wounds (promotes epithelialization), gives the hair moisture & shine, reduces spilt ends.
Gingko biloba extract
This is extracted from the leaves of a South-American tropical tree. It has a powerful anti-radical immune-stimulating effect, and regulates the activity of oil glands.
Green tea extract
Activates blood circulation and cell oxygenation, decreases vessel permeability, making them less fragile. Serves as an efficient tool to fight early aging and inflammatory processes.
Green tea extract is among the best antioxidants due to high concentration of polyphenols, which ar
e much stronger anti-aging and free radicals protectors than vitamins C and E. Besides, green tea extract also has anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory and anti-radiation protective properties. Green tea extract has unique components for skin protection against aggressive chemicals, excessive sun radiation, bad habits (such as smoking), and natural aging. Green tea extract cleans pores and moisturizes skin, strengthens natural protection of the whole body. Of course, you can make a great tea from this which will also provide all of the above.
Hamamelis
This extract softens the skin thus helping to shrink enlarged pores, regulates the activity of oil glands, and prevents inflammation thanks to its anti-bacterial properties.
Nettle
Provides tender skin care, greatly strengthens the hair, helps hair growth, prevents hair loss and dandruff.
Olive oil
A classic ingredient which actively restores the lipid barrier layer of the skin and prevents the skin surface from losing moisture. It improves cell regeneration, softens and nourishes the skin. Why not use some light extra virgin olive oil direct on the skin before hair removal?
Shea butter 
This has strong anti-oxidant and regenerating properties, stimulates collagen synthesis, relieves irritation and moisturizes. It protects the skin from climate effects and solar radiation. It efficiently slows down the formation of wrinkles. Can also be used in it’s raw form direct on the skin.
St. John’s wort extract
This inhibits the production of excessive amounts of sebum (skin fat), strengthens hair follicles, accelerates the healing of minor skin wounds, relieves irritation and therefore benefits the scalp.
Tea Tree oil
This is a strong antibacterial and antifungal oil, which doesn’t make the skin dry. It stimulates the immune system. Its cleansing and revitalizing properties are especially apparent when used in products for oily, contaminated and sensitive skin. It can be used to kill nail fungus infections in a natural way.
Vitamin A
Helps cell renewal, eliminates skin flaking and excessive dryness. Stimulates restoration of the epidermis and improves its structure, smoothes wrinkles, restores skin elasticity. A natural antioxidant, ensures long-lasting skin protection, makes the skin velvety, preserving moisture.
Now you know!
What Goes Into Natural Makeup Products
With all the talk about natural makeup and cosmetics, you may be wondering – just how is it all made? I came across an interesting article on Biodynamic farming. This is even better than organic farming.
Biodynamic farming was developed in the mid 1920s, and is based on ideas of Rudolph Steiner, who was a German philosopher. So what is it? Biodynamic farming is a system of agriculture that works in harmony with light and temperature. Only natural fertilisers are used and fertilising, planting and harvesting are all done according to a lunar cycle.
Southern Germany is the main hub where everything takes places, even though biodynamic farming is practiced worldwide. Some of the best organic and natural makeup proudcers, like Dr Hauschka and Weleda grow many of their ingredients there.
Polyphenols have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant powers that help the plant to resist sun damage and to heal itself.
Polyphenols found in foods such as red wine, berries, dark chocolate, olive oil and other fruit and veg are believed to help protect against heart disease, while in cosmetics, the plant compound is regularly used to fight the free radicals blamed for much of the skin damage we see as we age.
Even though this style of farming is based on old ideas, the monitoring products are high-tech, with machines that will show even the slightest traces of contaminants, and medical-grade processing.
Only Pure ingredients
As well as being the source of Dr Hauschka and Weleda botanicals, this region is also where the seeds of Australian brand Jurlique were planted.
Jurlique’s co-founder, Dr Jurgen Klein, was a product formulator for Dr Hauschka
before he left for Australia and his co-founder and former partner Ulrique Klein was a horticulturist.
Most Dr Hauschka ingredients are from Germany but some are sourced worldwide due to climate. The company helps communities grow biodynamic crops such as roses in Turkey and neem in India.
“Our approach is not just about human health but the health of the environment,” Professor Stintzing says.
You can purchase Jurlilque, Dr Hauschka and Weleda products from my affiliate by clicking on the link below.
Buy these natural makeup products with confidence, knowing that you are looking after yourself and the enviroment.
Your Natural Beauty Isn’t Skin Deep
You’ve heard is said that beauty is only skin deep? Well, that isn’t necessarly true. More and more evidence suggests that what we eat affects the way we look. To mention an exteme example, you will probably be able to spot a hardened smoker and drinker just from how he/she looks. On the positive side though, if we eat nutritional food it will affect us in a positive way.
Natural makeup and organic skincare products and do much to enhance your beauty. Let’s think 
of this example. Say an artist was wanting to paint a masterpiece, he would definately start by choosing a high quality canvas. He wouldn’t just choose anything to paint on. It’s the same with your face. The better it is without makeup, then the better it will look with makeup.
Beautiful healthy skin starts on the inside, not on the outside. The way we eat affects how we look. In fact much of the signs of ageing is related to free-radicals. Many skin problems are related to diet. (See my blog on Natural Remedies for Acne). So you should be eating a health balanced diet.
Anti-oxidants. These are essential for a good healthy skin. Vitamin C, E, Selenium, Grapeseed extract and even red wine. But the most important thing is to eat plenty of fruit and vegetables. Then you will be able to control the free-radicals. Eating enough fruit and vegetables is much cheaper and healthier than taking supplements.
Too much sugar will also have a negative impact on your skin. It will cause too much collagen and make your skin less supple. It will actually change the way you look. The sugar will change how your body works. Too much sugar will cause acne.
Everyday you make new skin. How are you making yours? Are you feeding it with good, nutritional food. Or, are you feeding it with junk food, too much fat and sugar.
Remember, that most skin problems are not caused by external factors, but by internal factors. Treat your skin from the inside. Hydrate your skin properly. In time you will see the results.
How to do it:
- Eat less sugars and fats
- Drink plenty of water
- Eat plenty of fruit and vegetable
- Suplement you diet with multi-vitamins
If you are having skin problems then look to your inside. Care for your nutrition, exercise and hydration and you will do miracles for yourself.
Why Many Are Changing To Natural Makeup
It seems that more and more people are changing to natural makeup and skincare products. There seems to be a common denominator in it all – to look after health better. Yes, more and more women are realising that conventional makeup is no way natural. Also now the choices for buying natural makeup products are more and more and the quality of natural makeup products are better and better.
Think about this: It takes 28 seconds for a chemical to enter the blood stream after it touches the skin. If you read the back of any shampoo or cosmetic bottle, you’ll discover every product includes something dangerous: mercury, lead acetate, coal-tar, petroleum derivatives, parabens, dyes and phthalates, known carcinogens and hormone disrupters.
For those who live in the U.S. it’s even more alarming because many of these ingredients are banned in Europe, $35 billion U.S. cosmetics industry hums along with little to no interference from federal safety regulators. So look for procuts that are certified.
- Natural Serum
Many women who have been treated for hormonal cancers make the change to natural makeup. For example a woman in the US successfully completed treatment for stage 1 breast cancer two years ago. Then she and her sister-in-law started to replace the cosmetics in their makeup bags with healthy, chemical-free alternatives.
She said that: “I was 39 when I was diagnosed, there was no family history or genetic component,” Shapiro said. “Which makes you stop and look around at environmental factors. Also, our daughters love to play with makeup, too,” said the women, who has 6- and 3-year-old girls. “Ironically, children’s lip glosses and other things are probably the worst offenders. They’re loaded with all kinds of chemicals, parabens and preservatives.”
What’s more the shelf life for natural makeup and skincare products is comparable to traditional cosmetics: three months to one year, once the package is open.
So don’t leave it to late. Now is the time to take your health into your own hands. Visit the Shop for a full range of makeup and skincare prodcuts that you can be sure won’t do you or your health any harm at all..
How Natural Is Your Toothpaste?
It might seem a strange question on a site dedicated to natural makeup, but the purpose of makeup is to enhance your appearance. Having nice clean, white teeth will certainly enhance your beauty naturally. So if you are thinking about natural makeup, then you certainly need to think about toothpaste as well.
Most of the principles mentioned in this site apply to toothpaste as well. Most toothpaste contains toxic chemicals and they are absorbed into the body through the mouth and also into the stomach if swallowed.
Why Cause For Concern?
Have a look at the ingredients of your toothpaste. If it contains sodium flouride, FD&C dye # 1 & 2, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Triclosan and or Hydrated Silica – then you should be concerned. In this list just mentioned are skin irritants, ingredients that are also used in rat poisons, and pesticides. Certainly not something you would like in your mouth.
You are pobably aware the dentist advise toothpaste with flouride, but did you know that flouride itself is a dangerous ingredient. This is why there are warning on the toothpaste not to ingest it and to supervise young children when they are brushing. Minimal ingestion of sodium fluoride causes salivation, nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, and diarrhea. Large doses of the carcinogen may cause paralysis, muscular weakness and clonic convulsions, followed by respiratory and cardiac failure. It is also a key ingrdient in anesthetic, hypnotic, and psychiatric drugs and Sarin nerve gas.
What Are the alternatives?
Choose organic or herbal toothpastes (no, not the Colgate Herbal range!). Unlike conventional toothpaste, most brands of organic toothpaste display their ingredients about the packaging or about the manufacturer’s website. Many brands of organic toothpaste are created using essential oil and don’t contain controversial ingredients, like fluoride, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), triclosan and sugar substitutes and colorings. All organic merchandise is made with things that haven’t been sprayed with pesticides, herbicides or chemical fertilizers, making organic toothpaste a secure choice for children.
What Are the Natural Choices?
There are many good brands of organic and herbal tootpastes to choose from.I would really recommend Green People Organic Citrus & Aloe Vera Toothpaste.
It was recommended by the Sunday Times. It can be purchased from my affiliate LoveLula.com.
There you can also find all you need for natural makeup and skincare.
So in addition to caring for your natural beauty with natural makeup, get that natural smile from using natural toothpastes!
Do You Know What the Label is Hiding On Makeup Products?
As a small experiment, the next time you are in the shop looking at cosmetics and skin care products, look to see how many products are using terms like: ‘natural’, ‘natural makeup’, ‘organic’, ‘minerals’. Then check the labels – you will probably find that the labels are hiding the fact that the products is still full of harmful and toxic ingredients!
Large cosmetic companies are now using consumer desire for natural and organic makeup and skin care products to try to market their products as green-friendly. What originated as an industry for the improvement of your health now possesses imitators just looking for some extra sales, and unfortunately some of the big names are guilty of this.
Here are the terms to be wary of:
- Made with organic essential oils
- Contains organic ingredients
- Made with nontoxic ingredients
- 100 percent natural
- Essentially nontoxic
- Earth-friendly
- Environmentally safer
- Hypoallergenic/Dermatologist Tested/Allergy Tested/Non-Irritating
- Vegan
- Cruelty-Free
Language like “100 percent natural” and “made with organic essential oils” seem ok, but the reality is that the US Food and Drug administration only regulates organic food products. That means that plant-derived ingredients are not certified organic by the USDA and may have been grown with chemical fertilizers, toxic pesticides and other harsh chemicals. Actually if you buy natural makeup and skincare products that are manufactured in Europe, then you can buy more more confidence because Europe has much tighter controls on the use of these terms.
Phrases that lead you believe the product is “allergy free” can be false. Even products containing only pure, natural makeup ingredients can still irritate your skin – hey! we’re all different. depending on the person. No matter what the promise is, always do a simple patch test with a free sample before buying.
Same for cosmetics using “vegan” ingredients. Of course, you may be using a product that contains some ingredients derived from animals, like milk, honey, and animal fats, but this claim doesn’t necessarily guarantee the product is free of harsh chemicals.
Always check the ingredients list. Chances are that product touting “contains organic ingredients” has only one certified organic ingredient. The “100 percent natural” product can still contain suspect preservatives and parabens. In the end, what does “environmentally safer” or “earth-friendly” really mean? Those are definitely terms that no government regualates yet.
Just think about the term “essentially nontoxic.” Companies choose to focus on the few safe ingredients, neglecting to tell you about that other stuff. They might be taking your money in exchange for a supposedly “green” product that in contains a handful of safe ingredients mixed into some sort of cheap chemical cocktail.
Of course the problem is that there are many good 100% natural makeup and skincare products out there. So you, as the consumer, just have to be careful and check the labels and ingredients to make sure that the label isn’t hiding anything suspect there. Remember the longer the name of the ingredient and the more difficult it is to pronounce, then careful you have to be!
So it is possible to find good quality natural makeup products. My affiliate site only sells products that are guaranteed to be natural and organic. There are no nasties hiding behind those labels. One example is this Intensive day cream, which I can highly recommend.
It is recommended for skin 35+ or for skin that needs anti aging care. It is a light but rich nourishing cream which helps to increase skin’s elasticity, strengthen it’s connective tissue and support skin cell regeneration leaving the skin feeling smooth and protected against free radicals. It also has 4 certificates verifying that it is organic and 100% natural.
If you click on the image you will be able to see a whole range if moistuizers for all skin types and for all budgets.
Thanks to www.thedailygreen.com for some of the source material
What First Impression Do You Give?
A new study by Procter & Gamble has shown that a woman’s makeup actually makes her appear more trustworthy or competent at her job. So it’s worth while spending a few minutes every morning with makeup. Don’t go for the ‘natural’ look without makeup, but use some natural products to enchance your beauty.
The relationship between the amount of makeup a woman wears and her perceived attractiveness, competence, likability, and trustworthiness in the eyes of others was studied and the results were very interesting.
Click to view the product
In two studies, the researchers asked viewers to rate the same female faces with or without color cosmetics, and they varied the style of makeup from minimal (natural), to moderate (professional), to dramatic (glamorous).
The photos were then shown to 149 adults — 61 of them men — for 250 milliseconds at a time, during which they were asked to judge each subject on the four traits.
In sum the study showed that faces with makeup create a stronger response. So, for example, in situations where a perceiver is some pressure, he or she is more likely to rely on automatic judgments for decision-making. We may not like it, but it’s the way that it is. Of course ‘skin-deep beauty’ will not be the factor that your friends will judge you but. First impressions do last, and this study underscores the need to care for our appearance.
Keep reading my blog to find out more on why natural makeup is the way to go and how to look after your skin. Through my site you can also purchase some great natural makeup products. In doing do you will be making a great first impression while at the same time not compromising your health with toxin-ridden cosmetics.
Natural Beauty by a Close Shave!
Hair Removal
It is probably something that most women (and most men) hate – removing hair. It either means a trip every few weeks to have the hair removed by waxing or a daily shave. In either case it a chore that we have to do.
From early times hair removal has been practiced by both men and women. Probably the Egyptians were the first to use a process called ‘sugaring’. A sticky paste (usually made of bees wax) was applied to the skin and the hair was yanked off. Sounds familiar? In the ancient Roman Empire, hair removal was an indicator of someone’s social and economic status. Wealthy women removed body hair with pumice stones, razors, tweezers and depilatory cream.
In most societies today there are socially acceptable norms as to what is beautiful and what is not. I’m not going to explore these norms in this blog, but focus on what natural products a person can use to ease the shaving process.
Four Steps to a Good Shave
There are 4 main things to have a close shave.
- Soften the hair. For this hot water is best. So during or immediately after the shower or bath is the best time.
- Apply preshave product. The softer the hair, the easier the shave. So any product to soften the skin.
- Use a proper razor. The right razor is a sharp razor. To avoid ingrowing hairs and rash after shaving – only shave with the grain of hair growth. Going against the grain may give a closer shave, but will result in skin problems.
- Apply after skin protection. After shaving risne with warm water, then cool water. This will clean the face and the cool water will close the pores. Then use some moisturizing after-shave lotion.
Because this is a site about using natural cosmetic and makeup products we will foucs on step 2 and 4.
Go Natural!
When talking about natural beauty we are not talking about going ‘natural’. We are talking about using only natural products for hair removal.
If you use a commercial shaving gel or foam, more likely than not they contain harmful ingredients and toxic ingredients. Do you really want this on your skin. After all, you are removing hair from your skin thus opening up pores and creating opening for toxins to enter the body. Also, many of the ingredients used will strip the skin of natural oils, thus making it necessary to use an after-shave moisturizer, which probably also contains harmful ingredients. So, what can you do?
The best thing to use is a natural oil. Think about the benefits of this:
- It’s natural.
- Doesn’t contain any harmful ingredients.
- Provides a natural moisturizer.
- You can make it yourself.
Here’s a great recipe you can try at home.
- 3oz almond oil
- 1oz wheat germ oil
- 2oz coconut oil
- 1oz avocado oil
- 1oz olive oil
Shake together, and then add, a drop at a time, 10 drops of bergamot or citrus essential oil, 10 drops of geranium essential oil, 40 drops of rose essential oil, and 20 drops of lavender essential oil. Shake together.
Remember you don’t need to use any creams. Maybe at first it can seem strange shaving without a cream, but your shaving oil is doing exactly what the gel or foam would do – soften the hairs.
Purchase.
Maybe you don’t want to go to the bother of making your own shaving oil. At my affiliate 
you can find great products for all skin care. They are 100% natural and will leave your skin feeling like it has never done before!
Anti-ageing – Why Start When You’re 20?
This might seem a little odd to say this – start anti-ageing routines when you are still in your 20s. A new report has shown that women in their 20s need to begin a daily routine of caring for their skin in order to boost their complexion.
Doctor Rita Rakus stated: “Just giving your skin a good cleanse before you go to bed will make a huge difference on the fine lines and wrinkles that will appear as you get older”.
Another problem that women face it the damaging effects of the sun. So always apply a moisturiser containing SPF25 sun block, as this can prevent damage to the face from UV rays.
Ms Rakus advised individuals to use this daily and to never leave the house without wearing it.
As always use only natural and organic products because they are much better than traditional items as they are gentler on the face.
So the time to start isn’t when you notice the first wrinkle. Remember that prevention is always better than cure. So if you can prevent the first signs of ageing your skin will thank you for it and you will en
joy healthy, vibrant and young looking skin.
A great product to use is Neal’s Yard Wild Rose Daily Moisture. It has a SPF factor of 30 and it the first sunscreen to have been approved by the Soil Association. Just now you can get free postage and packing in the UK and only £3 for worldwide shipping.
If you are looking for a foundtation, then you can’t do better than Bare Escentuals Matte Foundation with a SPF factor of 15. It will provide great coverage. In fact 85% of
women experienced improved skin clarity with this. 95% of women reported minimized pores.
Click on the links or picutres to purchase.
It’s never too early to start looking after your skin.
Do You Know Your Labels?
The good news: it’s becoming much easier to find natural makeup products. The bad news: large companies are deceiving customers with labelling claiming that their products are natural, organic and not tested on animals.
So what does it all mean? I’ve compiled a list of common labelling terms and what they can mean. Of course there are many good products and if you purchase any products through the affiliates on my site you can be sure that you are buying top quality, natural and organic products. So here goes:
“NATURAL”
Designed to make you think: Of course it’s all natural.
Is that true? Not really.
Standards: There are no standards to define the term ‘natural’.
Who certifies it? No one.
Keep a keen eye out for: Look at the ingredients, not just what is in big letters on the front of labels. Some companies and brands create their own internal standards for “natural” claims, which may or may not have real credibility.
“ORGANIC”
Designed to make you think: Great, just what I’m looking for, a product devoid of synthetic, artificial, or chemical substances.
Is that true? Depends on certificates. For example in the US there is USDA Organic Labeling Categories. Check out my blog on certificates. Should Your Natural Makeup be Certified?
Standards: The USDA seal is the gold standard for certified organic ingredients guaranteed to be grown without chemical pesticides, insecticides, synthetic fertilizers, hormones, or genetically modified organisms. While the FDA doesn’t define or regulate the term “organic” as it applies to finished cosmetic, body care or personal care formulas, the UDSA does regulate the term “organic” as it applies to ingredients that may be in the formulas. For example, ingredients in a lotion that are agricultural products, such as almond oil, aloe vera, lavender, botanical ingredients and essential oils, can be USDA certified organic, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that the entire lotion is “organic”. Check out the USDA standards below for details on what USDA Organic Labels really mean.
Who certifies it: USDA-accredited organic certifying agents.
Keep a keen eye out for: The word “organic” without the USDA seal (or other qualifying context), which may not adhere to certified standards. When you get down to brass tax, there is no legal definition for “organic” for personal care products.
“GMO-FREE”
Designed to make you think: No weird science included.
Is that true? Well all that it means is that the ingredients that have not been knowingly genetically modified organisms (GMO).
Standards: GMO-free labels are voluntary. There are no government regulations to enforce GMO-free claims
Who certifies it: No one. However, some companies have internal GMO-free standards and “Non-GMO Project Verified” is a trustworthy mark for food that is beginning to show up on beauty products.
Keep a keen eye out for: Products that claim to be GMO-free and don’t have a stamp that is linked to a verified source or organization that can validate the declaration.
“NO ANIMAL TESTING”
Designed to make you think: No ingredients that have been tested on bunnies or other animals.
Is that true? It means that no new animal testing is used in any phase of product development by the company, its laboratories, or suppliers. However, ingredients that have been previously tested on animals may be used. But it’s a big step forward.
Standards: The Leaping Bunny Program is the most thorough and monitored cruelty-free standard. Companies that are granted its seal of approval agree to strict standards not to test on animals and not to even buy ingredients from companies that do. Strict compliance for supply monitoring ensures that ingredients, formulations, third-party manufacturing and finished products are 100-percent free of new animal testing.
Who Certifies it: The Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics. This band of eight national animal protection groups, including the Humane Society and the American Humane Association, works in alliance to promote a single, comprehensive standard.
Keep a keen eye out for: Products that claim “no animal testing” or “cruelty-free” and don’t have the Leaping Bunny logo or do not appear on the Leaping Bunny list. While there is a fee for companies to use the LB logo, it’s free for companies to apply for the standard and be listed on the site.
So it’s good to be informed and always check the labels. If you read up on the articles on my site you will be much better informed as to what is good and what is bad. Of course if you buy from 
then you can be assured that your makeup will be free of all nasties.