I'm not dying for beauty ...

I don't wear much make up but when I do, I don't want to wear something that will cause me to have cancer later on in life. So, I've started checking out all my skin care and make up items at the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep database almost religiously (www.ewg.org/skindeep).

Needless to say I have thrown away about $300 worth of facial cleansers, moisturizers, lotions, toners, make up, hair care, sunscreen and other skin related items. I simply was uneducated on what exactly is in the products I slather on my skin and hair.

I'm all for the phrase "beauty hurts" when wearing shoes that are too tight for a little while or a dress that is a bit snug for an hour or two. But I draw the line at "beauty kills" (whether that be killing me or killing animals some companies test on)!

So, in my quest to be beautiful while also being a responsible and compassionate human being on planet Earth, I have found just a handful of safe products to refill my beauty and toiletries shelves.

Skin cleanser

Threw out: L'Occitane Foaming Facial Cleanser

Restocked with: MyChelle Fruit Enzyme Cleanser

Lotion

Threw out: Jergens Daily Moisture Dry Skin

Restocked with: Alaffia Everyday Shea Butter Lotion

Mascara

Threw out: Covergirl Lash Exact  Mascara

Restocked with: Jane Iredale Longest Lash Thick Mascara 

Lipstick

Threw Out: Lancôme Rouge Absolu

Restocked with: Au Naturale Lipstick in Spanish Rose

Shampoo

Threw out: Suave Daily Clarifying Shampoo

Restocked with: Andalou Naturals Argan Stem Cell Age Defying Shampoo

Powder (facial)

Threw out: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Powder 

Restocked with: W3LL People Realist Invisible Powder

Bottom line: I will endeavor to stick to only products tested by the EWG's Skin Deep team and that has a rating of 4 or less.