Disclaimer: This post contains links to my Beautycounter page. Any purchases made through these links will result in a small commission for me, but at no extra cost to you! All opinions, however, are my own. I originally wrote this post before becoming an Independent Consultant, but have updated it to reflect this status and remain 100% transparent. I became a Consultant because I truly believe in these products and this company. I am proud to be part of the safer skincare movement!
I wasn't allowed to wear makeup until I was 16 years old, and even then I only wore mascara, maybe. I just wasn't that into it. I enjoyed putting it on, but hated how it felt on my skin. It was always too cakey to me, and I felt fake. I was also always wary of the chemicals I was putting on my skin, but at the time I didn't know of any alternatives.
I don't feel that way with Beautycounter products at all! Everything I've used from this company has felt natural, light, and like it works with my skin, rather than against it. I used these products for about two years before finally becoming an Independent Beautycounter Consultant. Once I started using Beautycounter, I never looked back!
I actually enjoy wearing makeup now. And I know that I can feel good about the products I'm using on my skin, knowing I am not dousing my face with chemicals or toxins.
Why is it important to choose safer makeup?
No one should have to choose between beauty and health!
Much of the makeup products available have ingredients that are linked with negative side effects such as cancer, irritation, or reproductive/fertility issues. Many of these ingredients easily enter the body through inhalation (i.e. powders or perfumes), ingestion (lip gloss, lipstick, chap stick), or absorption through the skin (i.e. foundations, concealers, etc.)
I love Beautycounter because they make products free from what they've trademarked The Never List™:
"Benzalkonium Chloride A disinfectant used as a preservative and surfactant associated with severe skin, eye, and respiratory irritation and allergies. Found in: sunscreens, moisturizers.
Butylatedhydroxy Anisole and Butylated Hydroxytoluene Synthetic antioxidants used to extend shelf life. They are likely carcinogens and hormone disruptors and may cause liver damage. Found in: lipsticks, moisturizers, diaper creams, and other cosmetics.
Coal tar hair dyes and other coal tar ingredients A byproduct of coal processing that is a known carcinogen. It is used as a colorant and an anti-dandruff agent. Found in: hair dye, shampoo.
Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) A chelating (binding) agent added to cosmetics to improve stability. May be toxic to organs. Found in: hair color, moisturizers.
Ethanolamines (MEA/DEA/TEA) Surfactants and pH adjuster linked to allergies, skin toxicity, hormone disruption, and inhibited fetal brain development. Found in: hair dyes, mascara, foundation, fragrances, sunscreens, dry cleaning solvents, paint, pharmaceuticals.
Formaldehyde Used as a preservative in cosmetics. A known carcinogen that is also linked to asthma, neurotoxicity, and developmental toxicity. Present where quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3 diol (Bronopol), and several other preservatives are listed. Found in: shampoo, body wash, bubble bath.
Hydroquinone A skin-lightening chemical that inhibits the production of melanin and is linked to cancer, organ toxicity, and skin irritation. Found in: skin-lightening creams.
Methylisothiazolinone and methylchloroisothiazolinone Chemical preservatives that are among the most common irritants, sensitizers, and causes of contact skin allergies. Found in: shampoo, conditioner, body wash.
Oxybenzone Sunscreen agent and ultraviolet light absorber linked to irritation, sensitization and allergies, and possible hormone disruption. Found in: sunscreen, moisturizer.
Parabens (methyl-, isobutyl-, propyl- and others) A class of preservatives commonly used to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. Parabens are endocrine (or hormone) disruptors, which may alter important hormone mechanisms in our bodies. Found in: shampoo, face cleanser, body wash, body lotion, foundation.
Phthalates (DBP, DEHP, DEP and others) A class of plasticizing chemicals used to make products more pliable or to make fragrances stick to skin. Phthalates disrupt the endocrine system and may cause birth defects. Found in: synthetic fragrance, nail polish, hairspray, and plastic materials.
Polyethylene glycol (PEG compounds) PEGs are widely used in cosmetics as thickeners, solvents, softeners, and moisture-carriers. Depending on manufacturing processes, PEGs may be contaminated with measurable amounts of ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, which are both carcinogens. Found in: creams, sunscreen, shampoo.
Retinyl palmitate (Vitamin A Palmitate) Retinyl palmitate is an ingredient composed of palmitic acid and retinol (Vitamin A). Data from an FDA study indicate that retinyl palmitate, when applied to the skin in the presence of sunlight, may result in adverse health consequences like lesions and photosensitization. FDA, Norwegian and German health agencies have raised a concern that daily skin application of vitamin A creams may contribute to excessive vitamin A intake for pregnant women and other populations.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS and SLES) SLS and SLES are surfactants that can cause skin irritation or trigger allergies. SLES is often contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a byproduct of a petrochemical process called ethoxylation, which is used to process other chemicals in order to make them less harsh. Found in: shampoo, body wash, bubble bath.
Synthetic flavor or fragrance An engineered scent or flavoring agent that may contain any combination of 3,000-plus stock chemical ingredients, including hormone disruptors and allergens. Fragrance formulas are protected under federal law’s classification of trade secrets and therefore can remain undisclosed. Found in: all types of cosmetics.
Toluene A volatile petrochemical solvent that is toxic to the immune system and can cause birth defects. Found in: nail polish.
Triclosan and Triclocarban Antimicrobial pesticides toxic to the aquatic environment; may also impact human reproductive systems. Found in: liquid soap, soap bars, toothpaste. (1)"
I want to be sure I don't have any of these chemicals in my makeup!
There are other companies working to make safer makeup products as well, which can be found using the EWG Skin Deep website. Even though some products are considered safe, however, it does not mean they are high quality products and do not work very well, so always do some research.
I was first introduced to Beautycounter by a friend, Stephanie Corts, who works as an independent Director for the company. She also has an awesome website, Basic Natural Living, where she shares recipes and tips for creating a healthier body, environment, and lifestyle.
The first products I tried were the Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer and Volumizing Mascara. These were the products that won me over. It was after using these that I realized I could actually like wearing makeup, and feel safe doing so.
I'd never used a moisturizer or foundation that actually made my complexion better instead of worse, nor had I used a mascara that didn't burn my eyes!
Not only did Beautycounter's mascara not burn when I washed it off, but I felt nothing at all. It was fantastic. If you do experience burning or irritation while using a makeup product find a different one! This should not be happening.
I loved these products so much, I wanted Stephanie to do mine and my bridesmaids' makeup for my wedding. She agreed and did it while carrying a baby, no less!
Since then I have expanded both my makeup and skincare products, and love experimenting with new looks! I don't wear makeup everyday, but when I do, I feel good about the products I'm using.
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