Buy!
I have very sensitive eyes, and I'm extremely reluctant to put anything full of chemicals near them on a daily basis. I was pretty worried that environmentally-friendly mascara would be a bust since I was used to traditional mascara streaking by the end of the day. However, this mascara was a godsend! It lightly accentuates, separates, and lengthens my lashes the perfect amount, as I prefer that my mascara looks natural and not clown-like. It barely clumps (I don't think there's a single mascara available that never clumps) and while I'll on occasion have a small smudge below my eye, it's easy to wipe off (and the mascara comes off extremely easily with any mild cleanser). I do typically only use the mascara on my top lashes, as I think it looks more natural that way.
Best of all, the mascara has a PERFECT environmental working group score of 0!
Read more about the mascara on Rejuva Mineral's website here.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Monday, June 13, 2011
Philosophy - Hope in a Jar
Buy!
I adore this stuff - every single time I use it at night I wake up looking amazing in the morning, so much so that I actually hesitate to wash or even touch my face. I've even skipped sunscreen and makeup and gone straight to work so people can see how clear my skin is after using this moisturizer. Because of the lactic acid, the moisturizer functions as a mild exfoliant that clears away dead skin cells, so additional exfoliation isn't necessary. I do have a couple friends who experienced irritation after using this product so I'd start with a smaller jar if it's your first time trying it.
Unfortunately, it has an environmental working group score of 4, which is higher than I'd prefer for a basic moisturizer. Hopefully Philosophy will remove some of the unnecessary fragrance to improve this in the future.
Read more about Hope in a Jar on Philosophy's website.
I adore this stuff - every single time I use it at night I wake up looking amazing in the morning, so much so that I actually hesitate to wash or even touch my face. I've even skipped sunscreen and makeup and gone straight to work so people can see how clear my skin is after using this moisturizer. Because of the lactic acid, the moisturizer functions as a mild exfoliant that clears away dead skin cells, so additional exfoliation isn't necessary. I do have a couple friends who experienced irritation after using this product so I'd start with a smaller jar if it's your first time trying it.
Unfortunately, it has an environmental working group score of 4, which is higher than I'd prefer for a basic moisturizer. Hopefully Philosophy will remove some of the unnecessary fragrance to improve this in the future.
Read more about Hope in a Jar on Philosophy's website.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Colorescience - Primer SPF 20 Skin Bronzing, Wild to Mild
Buy!
I love this stuff. I generally put on a touch of bronzer (I'm pretty pale, think Kate Hudson) and everyone instantly assumes that I've been tanning. This actually looks natural and even gives me a slightly dewy/glowy complexion! However, I think this product is best used as a foundation, the coverage is more than that of a primer and it provides just as much coverage as any foundation I've ever worn; I've never layered anything on top of it and I fear that I would look overly made-up if I tried.
Even better, the primer is SPF 20 (good enough for me to wear to and from work without any additional sunscreen) and is zinc oxide and titanium dioxide based (meaning no chemicals and better protection).
Finally, the primer has an environmental working group score of 3, which for a combination foundation/sunscreen isn't bad.
Read more about colorescience's wild to mild primer here.
I love this stuff. I generally put on a touch of bronzer (I'm pretty pale, think Kate Hudson) and everyone instantly assumes that I've been tanning. This actually looks natural and even gives me a slightly dewy/glowy complexion! However, I think this product is best used as a foundation, the coverage is more than that of a primer and it provides just as much coverage as any foundation I've ever worn; I've never layered anything on top of it and I fear that I would look overly made-up if I tried.
Even better, the primer is SPF 20 (good enough for me to wear to and from work without any additional sunscreen) and is zinc oxide and titanium dioxide based (meaning no chemicals and better protection).
Finally, the primer has an environmental working group score of 3, which for a combination foundation/sunscreen isn't bad.
Read more about colorescience's wild to mild primer here.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Vanicream - SPF 35 Sunscreen Sport
Buy!
So far, this remains the best sunscreen I've found to wear when I plan on spending more than half an hour running around in the sun. While a bit thick to put on, once you make the effort to thoroughly rub it in (which may take a minute or two) the whiteness disappears and it doesn't feel thick or sticky. Even better, while in general no matter how much sunscreen I use I emerge with a slight tan, this keeps me pasty white all summer long! (I understand that may not be everyone's goal, but I don't plan on wrinkling until I'm well into my 40s!)
The sunscreen has an environmental working group score of 2, which is amazing. The EWG states that it has good UVB and UBA protection and balance, and excellent stability.
Read more about Vanicream Sunscreen here.
So far, this remains the best sunscreen I've found to wear when I plan on spending more than half an hour running around in the sun. While a bit thick to put on, once you make the effort to thoroughly rub it in (which may take a minute or two) the whiteness disappears and it doesn't feel thick or sticky. Even better, while in general no matter how much sunscreen I use I emerge with a slight tan, this keeps me pasty white all summer long! (I understand that may not be everyone's goal, but I don't plan on wrinkling until I'm well into my 40s!)
The sunscreen has an environmental working group score of 2, which is amazing. The EWG states that it has good UVB and UBA protection and balance, and excellent stability.
Read more about Vanicream Sunscreen here.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Aveeno Active Naturals - Daily Moisturizing Lotion with Sunscreen
Buy!
While I've documented my general dissatisfaction with Aveeno elsewhere, and I generally try to use non-chemical sunscreens, this SPF 15 lotion is the best option I've found to wear on a daily basis for my walks to and from work. I'm only outside for half an hour total, so SPF 15 is sufficient for my commute. Moreover, I'd (almost) rather go sunscreen-free than sit around the office all day sticky from a non-chemical sunscreen. However, I read something recently that a lot of women are getting diagnosed with skin cancer on their shins, precisely because they don't use any sunscreen during brief -- but repeated -- sun exposure.
The sunscreen has an environmental working group score of 4, which isn't bad for a chemical sunscreen. Moreover, the sunscreen has good UVA/UVB balance (though only moderate protection from both) and excellent sunscreen stability.
The sunscreen/moisturizer is available for purchase at drugstore.com.
While I've documented my general dissatisfaction with Aveeno elsewhere, and I generally try to use non-chemical sunscreens, this SPF 15 lotion is the best option I've found to wear on a daily basis for my walks to and from work. I'm only outside for half an hour total, so SPF 15 is sufficient for my commute. Moreover, I'd (almost) rather go sunscreen-free than sit around the office all day sticky from a non-chemical sunscreen. However, I read something recently that a lot of women are getting diagnosed with skin cancer on their shins, precisely because they don't use any sunscreen during brief -- but repeated -- sun exposure.
The sunscreen has an environmental working group score of 4, which isn't bad for a chemical sunscreen. Moreover, the sunscreen has good UVA/UVB balance (though only moderate protection from both) and excellent sunscreen stability.
The sunscreen/moisturizer is available for purchase at drugstore.com.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Avène - Thermal Water / Eau Thermale
Don't buy!
After viewing this product suspiciously for years, I was in the airport returning from a French vacation involving copious amounts of sun and sunscreen -- leaving my face dry and irritated. Wanting to arrive back looking fresh and dewy (nearly impossible after a long flight) I grabbed a bottle of this at the airport and misted myself once an hour until I landed. Though I didn't notice a single change in my skin upon my return, that didn't necessarily mean anything. However, I've since kept the bottle on my desk at work and used it once or so a day and, similarly, no change. While it's undeniably refreshing to spritz yourself on a hot day or while at work, a spray bottle with plain water (and perhaps a few drops of olive oil for moisture) would work just as well.
Unsurprisingly, the product has a perfect environmental working group score of 0, since it's essentially water.
Read more about Eau Thermale here.
After viewing this product suspiciously for years, I was in the airport returning from a French vacation involving copious amounts of sun and sunscreen -- leaving my face dry and irritated. Wanting to arrive back looking fresh and dewy (nearly impossible after a long flight) I grabbed a bottle of this at the airport and misted myself once an hour until I landed. Though I didn't notice a single change in my skin upon my return, that didn't necessarily mean anything. However, I've since kept the bottle on my desk at work and used it once or so a day and, similarly, no change. While it's undeniably refreshing to spritz yourself on a hot day or while at work, a spray bottle with plain water (and perhaps a few drops of olive oil for moisture) would work just as well.
Unsurprisingly, the product has a perfect environmental working group score of 0, since it's essentially water.
Read more about Eau Thermale here.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Aveeno - Positively Radiant Cleanser
Don't buy!
I have issues with Aveeno. I feel like they market themselves as a green, organic brand (in fact, I know a former Aveeno employee whose job was to brand them as green and organic) while, in reality, they're owned by Johnson & Johnson and a lot of their products are packed full of chemicals I'd rather avoid. Also, they test on animals.
I purchased this before I began my quest to green my beauty routine, to use as a mild cleanser for the winter. It did its job, but no better than -- say -- Cetaphil (a greener option) would. To Aveeno's benefit, my skin didn't dry out, I suffered no bad breakouts, and it did a great job of removing makeup.
The cleanser has an environmental working group score of 5, which isn't that impressive for a company that markets itself to conscious consumers.
Read more about the cleanser on Aveeno's website.
I have issues with Aveeno. I feel like they market themselves as a green, organic brand (in fact, I know a former Aveeno employee whose job was to brand them as green and organic) while, in reality, they're owned by Johnson & Johnson and a lot of their products are packed full of chemicals I'd rather avoid. Also, they test on animals.
I purchased this before I began my quest to green my beauty routine, to use as a mild cleanser for the winter. It did its job, but no better than -- say -- Cetaphil (a greener option) would. To Aveeno's benefit, my skin didn't dry out, I suffered no bad breakouts, and it did a great job of removing makeup.
The cleanser has an environmental working group score of 5, which isn't that impressive for a company that markets itself to conscious consumers.
Read more about the cleanser on Aveeno's website.
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