Going natural and green with body products, skincare and makeup is one of the best things you can do for your skin.

1. “Greening” your makeup bag…and finding your natural glow
by Calibella Organic Makeup Boutique - Los Angeles, California
Going natural and green with body products, skincare and makeup is one of the best things you
can do for your skin.
What does ‘natural’ mean?
 A substance that “exists in, or is transformed by nature; not artificial”
 However, the cosmetic industry’s definition of ‘natural’ is any synthetic chemical that can be
‘derived from’ a natural substance, even if the manufacturing process requires the use of toxic
chemicals
What does “certified organic” mean?
 Certified Organic products are grown and processed without the use of synthetic chemicals,
fertilizers, or GMO's*(see definition below). Certified organic is an independent third party
guarantee of an “organic” claim
 ‘Organic’ refers to a sustainable system of agriculture that prohibits synthetic chemicals
 Certified organic products contain minimum 95% organic ingredients (excluding water and salt)
 Certified organic makeup is made up of naturally derived pigments from minerals, plants and
flowers with certified organic ingredients that nurture your skin, while providing naturally
harmonious colors and lasting performance
Why is “certified organic” important?
1. There are too many fake organic products on the market
2. To support farmers and companies in the ethical and sustainable use of the earth’s
resources
3. Organic products are safer and more effective

2. Why is it important to pay attention to ingredient labels?
 To avoid toxins disguised as ‘natural’ ingredients
 To never be fooled again by slick marketing hype
 To effectively create change through our own informed purchasing power
Is your makeup aging your skin and making you sick?
It is a medically recognized fact that our body absorbs significant amounts toxins into the
bloodstream in as little as 90 seconds after applied topically to the skin. When absorbed
directly into the bloodstream, products do not receive the detoxification and metabolism
function of the liver Yet 1/3rd of al personal care products contain one or more ingredients
classified as human carcinogens. Women are unknowingly exposing themselves to some 100
chemicals every morning when applying makeup. In fact, many lipsticks, creams, eyes shadows,
foundations, nail polish and perfumes have been regularly found to contain toxic chemicals
known to cause infertility and cancer.
 Did you know? 89% of 10,500 ingredients used in personal care products have not been
evaluated for safety and cosmetic manufacturers are not required to register with the FDA like
food and drug manufacturers.
What's in cosmetics?
Fragrances and preservatives are the main ingredients in cosmetics. Fragrances are the most
common cause of skin problems. More than 5,000 different kinds are used in products.
Products marked “fragrance-free” or “without perfume” means that no fragrances have been
added to make the product smell good.
Preservatives in cosmetics are the second most common cause of skin problems. They prevent
bacteria and fungus from growing in the product and protect products from damage caused by
air or light. But preservatives can also cause the skin to become irritated and infected. Some
examples of preservatives are:

3. What are the leading chemicals in skin care and makeup?
Parabens: Can be found in shampoos, commercial moisturizers, shaving gels, cleansing gels,
personal lubricants, topical pharmaceuticals and toothpaste.
 They are a class of chemicals widely used as preservatives in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical
industries.
 These compounds, and their salts, are used primarily for their bactericidal and fungicidal
properties.
 Common parabens include methylparaben (E number E218), ethylparaben (E214),
propylparaben (E216) and butylparaben.
 Less common parabens include isobutylparaben, isopropylparaben, benzylparaben and their
sodium salts.
 Several peer-reviewed studies have reported results that indirectly support a correlation
between the presence of parabens and the occurrence of breast cancer. High levels of parabens
have been detected in breast tumors. Scientific studies have shown the demonstrated ability of
parabens to mimic estrogen, a hormone known to play a role in the development of breast
cancers.
Phthalates: Can be found in personal care items such as baby powder; include perfume,
cologne, aftershave lotions, shampoo, hair gels, hand lotion, eye shadow, moisturizer, nail
polish, liquid soap, and hair spray.
 Are esters of phthalic acid and are mainly used as plasticizers (substances added to plastics to
increase their flexibility, transparency, durability, and longevity).
 They are primarily used to soften polyvinyl chloride.
 Phthalates are known as "endocrine disruptors" because they mimic the body's hormones and
have, in laboratory animal tests, been shown to cause reproductive and neurological damage.
(California will ban the use of phthalates in toys and baby products as of 2009.)
 Common phthalates include DBP (di-n-butyl phthalate) and DEP (diethyl phthalate)
 Choose plastics with the recycling code 1, 2 or 5. Recycling codes 3 and 7 are more likely to
contain bisphenol A or phthalates.
Lead: Can be found mostly in lipsticks

4.  Are esters of phthalic acid and are mainly used as plasticizers (substances added)
 Lead is a proven neurotoxin that can cause learning, language and behavioral problems such as
lowered IQ, reduced school performance and increased aggression.
 Pregnant women and young children are particularly vulnerable to lead exposure. Lead easily
crosses the placenta and enters the fetal brain where it can interfere with normal development.
Lead has also been linked to infertility and miscarriage.
 Lead builds up in the body over time and lead-containing lipstick applied several times a day,
every day, can add up to significant exposure levels. The latest studies show there is no safe
level of lead exposure.
Mercury: Is a preservative or anti-microbial agent, particularly in eye products such as
mascara.
 Mercury inhibits the formation of myelin, the building block protein that forms sheaths over
nerves and assists in conduction of nerve impulses.
 Mercury accumulates both in the body and in the environment.
 Women who have been exposed to mercury in pregnancy have sometimes given birth to
children with serious birth defects.
 Some skin whitening products contain the toxic chemical mercury(II) chloride, which readily
absorbs through the skin into the bloodstream.
 Mercury poisoning in the young has been hypothesized as a cause of autistic behaviors.
 Mercury damages the central nervous system, endocrine system, kidneys, and other organs,
and adversely affects the mouth, gums, and teeth.

5. GREENING YOUR MAKEUP BAG AND MEDICINE CABINET
BAG CHECK: What’s in your bag and more importantly, what’s in your makeup?
As a makeup artist, I have tried almost every line on the market, from MAC, to Lancôme, and
Smash box, while still my three favorite lines (for studio shoots), are NOT my favorite lines for
everyday makeup wear. If you see any of these ingredients on the back of your products,
THROW them out!
 Foundation: Parabens, phylates, lead, mercury, nitrosamines, fragrance.
 Mascara: Tar derivatives
 Eye shadow: Parabens, Talc*
 Blush: Parabens, Talc*
 Powder: Parabens, Talc*
 Lipstick: Lead has been found in Store brand: L'Oreal Colour Riche "True Red" - 0.65 ppm,
L'Oreal Colour Riche "Classic Wine" - 0.58 ppm, Cover Girl Incredifull Lipcolor "Maximum Red" -
0.56 ppm, Dior Addict "Positive Red" - 0.21 ppm (the only exception was Revlon lipstick-NO
LEAD found) Cosmetic Counter, YSL, Christian Dior, Lancôme, Clinique, Shisiedo, Chanel (lip
conditioner only) and Estee Lauder
 Eyeliner: Tar derivatives
 Gloss/Chapstick: artificial preservatives, mineral oil, petroleum by products.
(*) Talc is used in cosmetic products to absorb moisture. Talc fills and dries, and builds up in fine
lines, accentuating their appearance. Talc is also recognized as a potential carcinogen,
especially lung & ovarian cancer.
PRODUCTS TO CONSIDER:
Miessence Certified Organic Cosmetics:
-Translucent Foundation: key ingredients are organic aloe vera, jojoba, safflower lavender,
grapefruit and olive seed extract. With natural sunscreen.

6. ECO Tools Brushes:
-This earth-friendly foundation brush helps you achieve a flawless finish with cream or liquid
foundation. And, it shows respect for the planet: Bamboo handle has a low impact on the
earth’s resources as it is a highly sustainable plant. Synthetic taklon bristles are 100% cruelty
free. Sleek ferrule is made from recycled aluminum.
MEDICINE CABINET CHECK: What’s in your bag and more importantly, what’s in the
products? If you see any of these Key words, throw it out!
 Cleanser: Synthetic detergents, artificial preservatives, sodium laurel sulfate, 1, 4-Dioane,
Parabens, phylates, lead, mercury, nitrosamines, and fragrance.
 Toner: Synthetic detergents, artificial preservatives
 Moisturizer: Artificial preservatives, mineral oil*, paraffin wax/oil, petroleum by products,
collagen>
 Eye Crème: Artificial preservatives, mineral oil*, paraffin wax/oil, collagen*>
 Masks: artificial preservatives, collagen>
(*) Mineral Oil, liquidum paraffinum and Waxes disrupt the skin's ability to breathe. Mineral oil,
a derivative of crude oil, is forms an oily film over the skin to lock in moisture, but it also traps
in toxins and wastes, and hinders normal skin respiration by keeping oxygen out. Petroleum
products coat the skin, clogging pores and creating a build-up of toxins, which in turn
accumulate and can lead to more skin problems. Petroleum derivatives slow cellular
development, which can cause you to show earlier signs of aging. They are a suspected cause of
cancer and are also disruptive of hormonal activity.
(>) Collagen is added to cosmetics as a "sales gimmick." It is an insoluble fibrous protein and is
too large to penetrate the skin. The collagen found in most skin care or cosmetic products
comes from animal skins and ground up chicken feet. Collagen forms a layer of film that may
suffocate the skin or reduce its ability to breathe.

7. PRODUCTS TO CONSIDER:
Miessence Skin Care line www.miessence.com
Epicuren Face Wash, Epicuren Emulsifier, Epicuren Face Scrub, Epicuren Eye Cream, Epicuren
Hydrating mineral mask, Epicuren Enzyme Concentrate, Vitamin C Complex. www.epicuren.com