Glimmer and Glamour...

I love make-up. I admit it..I am not quite an addict but wearing my favorite shade of lipstick and a pale luminous blush can make or break my day!

Why, you may ask? I do not have an answer...I love color...all colors....so shopping for and enjoying new shades of eye shadow or lipstick brings a simple joy to my heart. Jewel tones..pale pastels.. blending various shades... an artistic effort!!

Now I DO love a day at home... bare face, hair tied back, completely natural...that is bliss.... But give me some place to go...and out comes my "cache ".... and with great panache..I wield my brushes, liners..and creams...and I am fit for public view!

Being a "naturalist" in most ways...and certainly being very keen on eco-friendly and organic products, I researched botanicals and other natural cosmetic brands to determine what would be safe as well as pretty..

What I discovered was quite frightening!!!

Most cosmetic lines...even the trendy and expensive ones...use synthetic and downright dangerous ingredients... Parabens...Phalates.... Urea... ( Yep!! It's what you think it is!!!! ) are common ingredients in most  facial and body cleansers, cosmetic and hair products. Many other unsafe additives are used..often disguised with "attractive" names..... And most brands have ingredient lists which are both  lengthy and scientific...that we tend to rationalize..."Well, I just spent $$$$$ on this name brand product...It MUST be okay!!!! "

It isn't.....

This is a partial list of the most dangerous ingredients. If you copy this...keep it in your handbag..and the next time you find yourself in a drug store or department store...and find yourself in need of what I call..."glimmer and glamour"...  use caution in your selections..

*** DMDM- hydartoin and UREA-  breaks down into carcinogens

*** Fragrance and dyes-  synthetic- linked to allergies

*** Parabens-  linked to hormonal disruption

***  Ingredients with the letters "PEG' or "eth" - contaminated with cancer causing Dioxane

*** Treclosan or Trechlocarbon- Antibacterial - contributes to antibiotic-resistant bacteria

*** Triethanolamine -  damages the immune system


Whenever possible, try to purchase pure botanicals...and products using essential oils.... I have remained quite faithful to the Liz Earle line...excellent botanical face and body products and make up which is both attractive and safe to use.

 I do believe we can enjoy our "glimmer and glamour" while maintaining our health and well being...