Fashion
NATURAL BEAUTY
By Allison Dolder McDonald
Vogue - July 1939 by Horst P. Horst // Image Credit: http://www.condenaststore.com/-sp/Vogue-July-1939-Prints_i8486275_.htm
Vogue - July 1939 by Horst P. Horst // Image Credit: http://www.condenaststore.com/-sp/Vogue-July-1939-Prints_i8486275_.htm
Sustainability - as it relates to beauty - can seem, at first blush, super-crunchy. However, as I found when I started researching this article, I’ve been using eco-friendly beauty products from brands dedicated to sustainability for years. And I promise you; I am decidedly as un-granola as it comes.
Having read Skinny Bitch a few years ago, I know that parabens and phthalates and all of that are totally skull-and-crossbones bad for you, but you know what always wins? The fact that I want to look cute. As a result, if a product works for me, I don’t always cross-reference the ingredients like I should. Luckily, there are a shocking amount of beauty brands that either started out eco-friendly or have gravitated in that direction. I’ve compiled my top ten tried-and-true beauty products that are also good for you, the planet, or both!
Davines No. 14 Sea Salt Primer for Wizards, $21, is a non-sticky, vanilla-scented styling spray that gives texture for the perfect beach-babe locks.
Tarte Cosmetics cheek stain in Tipsy, $30, is alcohol-free, so it doesn’t dry-out your skin or clog your pores. Made with acai, goji, and pomegranate, it’s packed full of antioxidants and free-radical fighting goodness, and formulated without mineral oil, parabens, or phthalates.
Origins Automagically Eye Lining Pencil in Mulberry, $15, is a fantastic eyeliner that I’ve used since my Junior Prom (yes, my dress and shoes were also purple, but trust me, I made it work). This eyeliner goes on oh so smoothly and is a great compliment to any eye color.
Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado, $29, has singlehandedly changed my life. It’s the most moisturizing, soothing under eye cream on the planet.
CoverGirl NatureLuxe Gloss Balm, $7, in the Anemone and Marble shades.Cover Girl gets major snaps for taking a step in the eco-friendly direction with their NatureLuxe line.
Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Eyeshadow in Brasstacks, $12, The perfect neutral for any skin tone,is both vegan and cruelty-free.
Zoya Nail Polish in Dulcinea, $8, is a gorgeous, toxin-free neutral for summer.
Sprinkle Aveda Pure Abundance Hair Potion, $24, on your roots for a quick lift – it thickens hair using acacia gum and kaolin clay.
Bronzed Bunny Bunny Face Self-Tanner, $19.50. Jeni Nola of Bronzed Bunny realized the need for a natural and organic tanning solution, and developed her own line. If you aren’t able to visit her fab Newport Beach salon for an airbrush tan, this face self-tanner is the perfect way to get a California glow. I use it between airbrush appointments to keep a safe, sun-kissed look without those nasty UVA/UVB’s.
Comodynes Makeup Remover Towelettes, $5, Hypoallergenic and with 100% recyclable packaging,are life-savers. They’re perfect for the post-work, pre-gym makeup cleanse.
Remember stay beautiful (not crunchy) my friends!
For more information on eco-friendly brand offerings visit www.goodboxe.com
Allison McDonald lives in Newport Beach, California with her husband Ben and their dog Clementine. As a Miami University graduate originally from Columbus, Ohio, she's retained a healthy dose of Midwestern prep, with a little big-city edge that came from living in Chicago for three years post-grad. Allison is the co-founder of Tartan & Sequins, the lifestyle blog/love child of two California girls who share a passion for all things preppy and fabulous.
