Kerry Washington is one of the many eco-chic celebrities embracing the “green” movement. “As my life and career were expanding, I wanted to do everything in as conscious a way as possible,” says the star. Check out our guide to the best in eco-friendly beauty products as we celebrate Earth Day.
Mineral Quick Clean by Pur Minerals ($16, purminerals.com) is a remarkably lightweight waterless facial cleanser and makeup remover; it hydrates with nourishing ingredients like Aloe Vera, Soy Protein and Shea Butter. Perfect for on-the-go use, the cleanser gently and effectively cleans skin without water and comes in a 3 oz. tube for easy inclusion in a bag or purse.
Harvey’s is turning your old seat belts into new, fanciful one-of-a-kind handbags with their Treecycle line ($148, harveys.com). This large satchel was made from 100 percent reclaimed seat belts.
“Save energy by unplugging all of your beauty tools after you’ve finished using them (they still zap electricity when turned off). And limit the use of a hairdryer or curling implements. Try letting your hair air-dry or curling your hair with Velcro rollers,” says spa creative writer Carole Tessier, who is an expert on all things “green”.
California Baby Natural Anti-Bacterial Blend Handwash ($19.99, Californiababy.com) gently kills germs using pure essential oils such as lemon, tea tree and ravensara to kill germs. Coconut oil and gardenia flower extract moisturize while witch hazel calms the skin.
Get earth sustainable beauty with Smashbox Cosmetics Mother Earth Palette ($45, sephora). The compact contains four compatible eye shadows and blush, all made from certified organic ingredients. The recyclable compact carton is made from sustainable materials and printed with eco-friendly ink. Plus, for each purchase you make, a tree will be planted by Trees for the Future, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating sustainable environments through reforestation throughout the world.
Throw on the best in “green” with this Loose Bamboo and Organic Cotton T-shirt by Organik ($41.99,loudstarbazaar.com). Made with eco-friendly dyes and water-based inks, this top is evergreen.
British supermodel Naomi Campbell celebrates after planting a tree during an official launch of one million trees at the Botanical Garden in Abuja, Nigeria, last year. Here, Campbell helps raise awareness of environmental issues in Nigeria by taking part in this tree-planting ceremony. Trees help to filter pollution from the air and recycle water.
Have a complete sensory experience with Solid Perfumes ($18, Soap & Paper Factory), which is perfect for earth-friendly touch-ups. Each fragrance is carefully blended and fragrance is free of Parabens, phthalates and petroleum.
Safely caring for your body means no chemicals at an affordable price. Jergens Naturals Daily Moisturizers ($8.40, Walgreens.com) is 100 percent paraben-free and 90 percent natural.
Keep nature’s bite out of your hair with Philip B. Botanicals Anti-Frizz Formula 57 ($35, philipb.com). This unique product loads your hair with the natural moisture of lavender, jojoba, rice bran, and soybean oils so it won’t absorb water from the air. A few drops ensures a shiny, frizz-free finish.
When in doubt, shop for cause. Lisa Hoffman Beauty is giving 20 percent of its proceeds from the Spa Bath and Spa Shower Collections ($25 each, dermstore.com) to the Rainforest Foundation, an organization dedicated to protecting the Amazon rain forest in the Selva Central Region of Peru. In addition, the products contain natural botanicals and the travel packets are earth-friendly.
No matter what complexion, exposure to the sun can have damaging effects. Burt’s Bees SPF 15 Chemical Free Sunscreen ($15, drugstores nationwide) uses a tried and true natural formula to protect your skin from the most harmful rays.
Don’t get stuck in a jam. Get your beauty to go. Josie Maran Earth Day Essentials Green-On-The-Go Kit ($48.00, sephora.com) contains all you need to keep your look fresh and elevated. This eco-chic kit contains soothing Argan Oil, award-winning Mascara, Plumping Lip Gloss, Cream Blush, and Eye Liner.
Miss Earth USA Jana Murrell speaks during Earth Day 2009 at the National Mall in Washington, DC. Murrell’s goal as Miss Earth is to spread awareness on the preservation of our environment.
Eco-conscious beauty shoppers have more choices than ever to adopt an organic approach to skincare. A green line we’re loving is suki® advanced. organic. science. The line is all-natural with handmade formulas that are 100 percent organic. Check out sukipure.com to take advantage of this luscious color kit only $65.
“This vegan Crease Brush allows you to blend and shade beautifully creating definition and depth with control and precision,” say Nalo Jones, a Los Angeles-based professional makeup artist.
“Besides helping the environment, organic products are good for you,” says Jones. “I’m a big fan of Juice Beauty Organic Lip Moisturizer ($15, juicebeauty.com) that blends nourishing shea and cocoa butter with sweet tasting organic orange and vanilla for kissable lips.”
Explore the soothing effects of lavender with Lavanila Vanilla Lavender Healthy Collection ($14-$56, sephora.com). The 100 percent natural collection includes the Healthy Fragrance, Healthy Body Butter, Healthy Body Wash, Healthy Lip Shine and Healthy Candle.
Get springtime beauty to go Josie Maran Finger Paints in Lovely ($36, josiemarancosmetics.com), add glitz and glimmer to any complexion. Stay in the spotlight with four complimenting shades ranging from bronze, shimmer pink, gold, and copper; great for your pout, eyes or cheeks. Even better, each shade contains all natural beeswax, jojoba oil, pomegranate seed oil, avocado oil, flax seed, olive oil, corn starch, cocoa butter and shea butter.
Look fly and fabulous while you save the planet in this fashionable ruched dress by Bobi ($52, revolveclothing.com). It’s 100 percent cotton and 100 percent glam.
“Before purchasing your beauty products, look for the USDA label. In order to be labeled “organic,” all valid certifying agencies must comply with USDA standards,” say Tessier, who is the founder of Le Spa Promotions.
Let your natural beauty shine through with the Freedom Glow Beauty Balm ($34) for lips, cheeks, eyes and decolletage; and Freedom Gloss ($26) that delivers all of the benefits of a lip treatment in a gloss. Additionally, the line is 100 percent and features 85 percent certified organic ingredients and is free of synthetics, chemicals, parabens, mineral oils, artificial ingredients, petrochemicals and animal testing. The Freedom Glow collection launches today on QVC.
You may have 99 problems, but a chip ain’t one. Sally Hansen LaCross Eco-Friendly Nail Boards ($.99, drugstores nationwide)introduces the first line of eco-friendly professional size nail files for the beauty goddess that stays on her toes. The friendly eco-board is made with recycled and natural materials.
Spend less time on your daily beauty regimen. The Solution by Envision Beauty ($74, envision-beauty.com) combines your day cream, night cream, eye cream, makeup primer, and antiaging cream into one fabulous product-packed with goji berry, grape seed, and essential vitamins.
Color much? EverPure by L’Oréal Paris ($8.99, drugstore.com) includes an anti-fade system that keeps your color vibrant for up to 32 washes. The reviving formula is 100% sulfate-free and 100% vegan: does not use animal byproducts and is not tested on animals.
Protect you complexion with a natural daily glow. Josie Maran Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 ($38, josiemarancosmetics.com) in Espresso lightly provides coverage and protection from UVA and UVB rays. The sheer tint gives an instant and flawless glow. Plus, moisturizing Argan Oil protects and repairs skin cells.
We want candy and with this cute medical bag, we can have it anytime we want. This magically delicious Roundabout Medical Bag by Nahuiollin ($159, nahuiollin.com) just might be your lucky charm.
Wrap your body with the natural soothing extracts from the Earth. Environmentalist, Danny Seo is introducing his new line of beauty and bath care called Wholearth. The all-natural product line includes body wash, body lotion, body soufflé. body mist, body scrub, and perfume. ($22 to $65, select Anthropologie stores)
Some of our favorite celebs like actress Joy Bryant, are spreading the word on the importance of living “green”, for the environment and your well-being. Your new habits could mean saving power and staying power.
