The Benefits of Mineral Make-Up

Mineral make-up is made from earth pigments and natural minerals. These elements are ground to a fine powder and mixed to form foundation, blush, and powder. Mineral make-up is free from perfumes, artificial dyes, preservatives, oils, wax, or talc. Instead, it contains titanium and zinc oxide, which have natural UV protectant properties. Mineral make-up is non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog pores. Here are some other benefits of mineral make-up.

1. Fewer germs

Proponents of mineral make-up claim it is purer than conventional make-up. The minerals used in this natural make-up are inorganic, which means they will not harbor bacteria the same way organic materials would. This is especially helpful for women who have acne or rosacea. Because of its inorganic nature, mineral make-up lasts a long time.

2. A natural look

Mineral make-up is reported to feel light on the face, and to provide coverage without looking heavy. For women who use make-up to cover fine lines and wrinkles, mineral make-up is ideal – its light-reflecting qualities obscure wrinkles. Women who have used mineral make-up claim it feels as if you are not wearing make-up at all. The earth tones complement nearly all complexion types.

3. Enhanced complexion

Because the minerals used are anti-inflammatory, mineral make-up can be used by women with sensitive skin. It is oil-free, so women with oily complexions need not worry about using it. Mineral make-up is, in fact, the only make-up that can be used after undergoing a facial chemical peal. If you find conventional make-up irritating, you may be able to tolerate mineral make-up with no problem.

4. Better for the environment

When you purchase conventional make-up, you are supporting a chemical industry that is a factor in pollution. Also, when you throw away conventional make-up – either when it is outdated or you are finished with it and residue remains in the container – you are putting those chemicals back into the environment.

Mineral make-up comes from the earth to begin with, so returning it there should not cause problems. Also, companies that manufacture mineral make-up tend to be eco-conscious and engage in environmentally friendly manufacturing processes. And most mineral make-up manufacturers do not engage in animal testing.

Your local health food store is a good place to start if you want to try mineral make-up. They will usually have “testers” available for you to see how the make-up looks on your skin. However, as more and more people demand more natural make-up options, you may start seeing mineral make-up in conventional stores more often.

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Eco-Friendly Shoes: What They Are and Where Can I Find Them

The term “eco-conscious” refers to environmental awareness. Eco-conscious shoes are shoes manufactured with the environment in mind, by using sustainable, eco-friendly methods and materials. On a more general level, eco-conscious shoes can simply be footwear that lessens waste, such as wearing repaired or refurbished shoes rather than buying new ones.

Here are some characteristics of eco-conscious shoes, such as the materials used to make them, and where you can find them:

Types of Material

1. Hemp

This plant is a renewable source of resilient fiber traditionally used in manufacturing rope. It is a fast-growing plant that can be grown without pesticides. Its breathability makes it a good choice for shoes.

2. Organic cotton

This is cotton that is grown without the excessive pesticides used on conventional cotton. It is biodegradable and comfortable.

3. Bamboo

While this is often imported, it is renewable, plentiful, and it grows quickly without the use of pesticides. It also reduces odor in shoes.

4. Recycled plastic

Some eco-conscious shoe manufacturers use recycled plastic to make shoe laces and elastic.

5. Inner tubes

The rubber from the inner lining of big tires is used for the rubber soles of sneakers and athletic shoes.

6. Natural rubber

Natural rubber is made from the sap of the rubber tree, and is used to make shoe soles, elastic, and water-resistant fabric.

7. Carpet padding

Carpet padding is made for walking on! Recycled from discarded carpets, the padding makes comfortable, springy shoe soles.

8. Cork

Harvested from the inner bark of the tree without killing it, cork is antimicrobial (thus helping prevent odor), and has a spongy feel.

Where You Can Find Eco-Friendly Shoes

Here are some suggestions for sources of eco-friendly shoes.

-Amazon.com isn’t just about books anymore. Check out their collection of eco-friendly shoes, bags and other products.

-Sierra Trading Post (www.sierratradingpost.com) offers a wide variety of “green” shoes, boots and sandals.

-NeuAura (http://www.neuaurashoes.com/) offers animal-friendly shoes.

-Rawganique (http://www.rawganique.com/footwear.htm) sells shoes made in the U.S. from sustainable materials.

-Simple Shoes (http://www.simpleshoes.com/) has a “Green Toe” program that rates their shoes on a variety of sustainability levels.

-Local manufacturers are a really green option if there are shoemakers in your area. Or shop at a locally-owned business that carries eco-conscious footwear.

There is not necessarily a particular “look” to eco-conscious shoes; they are available in the same range of styles and types that conventional shoes are. But if you want a natural look to your shoes, or if you want to make a statement with your footwear, you’ll find eco-conscious footwear that fits that bill. You can even get creative and make your own!

Why You Should Use Paraben-Free Shampoos

Parabens are a sort of preservative used in cosmetics in general and shampoo in particular. They are even used in some foods and medicines. Parabens are used to inhibit microbial growth, and they are not a new substance – as far back as the 1920s, parabens were used as preservatives.

You can recognize them in ingredient lists on shampoo bottles – known variously as “methylparaben, propylparaben, benzylparaben and butylparaben,” all end in “paraben,” making them fairly easy to recognize. Why are some people concerned about the safety of parabens? Should you be concerned?

Here is a list of some of the common concerns with parabens.

1. Breast cancer

A 2004 study showed traces of five parabens in cancerous breast tumors. Although the study did not prove the parabens caused the cancer, parabens do have estrogen-like activity in the body, and excess estrogenic activity is highly implicated in breast cancer.

The concern regarding this study is that it clearly shows that parabens are capable of remaining intact in human tissue, and are not necessarily excreted from the body quickly and easily, as was once thought. The 2004 study is inconclusive, but that is the point – the study does not prove that parabens are safe, either. It raises important questions about the safety of parabens.

2. The water supply

When you use shampoo that contains parabens, those parabens go down the drain and into the public water supply each time you wash your hair. If you have a septic system, the parabens will be excreted into the leach field, and thus into the general environment. Ground water, creeks, streams, springs, and other water supplies are therefore contaminated with each rain.

Municipal water systems are obligated to sanitize water by killing bacteria and other microorganisms before it is considered drinkable tap water. Parabens, however, are not microorganisms. Like other chemicals dumped into the water supply, parabens can easily go “full circle” in the water supply, going from shower drain to rivers and back to the water treatment facility. Parabens on the skin are one thing, but the effects of actually drinking them is something else to consider.

3. Baby products

There is no limit on the amount of parabens that manufacturers can use in shampoos; the amount is not regulated. Babies, with their smaller bodies and less-developed systems, are more at risk for all toxins and chemicals than adults. So be sure to read ingredient lists on baby cleansing products.

Parabens are a controversial substance. The studies are not definitive regarding the safety of parabens; parabens have not been proven unsafe, but they have not been proven safe, either. Due to this doubt, it is better to be safe than sorry and avoid parabens.

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