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SALT LAKE CITY — If you're like me, you can't leave Sephora or the MAC counter with just one item. I'm always suckered into buying one more ‘IT' beauty product. But when most of us shop for makeup, we tend to gravitate towards the miracle products rather than peruse the long and mostly-confusing ingredients list, if there even is one available. But should we be paying more attention?
New research says yes. A recent study published in the Environmental Health Perspectives journal found 10 toxic metals in 32 drugstore lipsticks and balms. The study found that 75 percent of the lipsticks had lead in them, and of those, more than half had more than the amount allowed by the Federal Drug Administration. Long-term contact with these metals could cause serious health problems.
Another scary fact? The U.S. is light years behind the European Union on banning toxic ingredients in makeup. The EU has a list that contains more than 10,000 banned substances. Compare that to the US, which has banned only nine of those same toxins.
"Unless they're saying 'non-toxic,' or 'green' or 'all natural,' 80 percent of the time they're containing at least one of these (toxic ingredients)," celebrity makeup artist and natural beauty expert Katey Denno told the Huffington Post.
So with virtually no regulation on your beauty products, for now, it's up to you to regulate what you put on your body. But with all the products out on the market, trying to go green can be a daunting task. Plus who has the money to completely restock their makeup supply? Here are some simple and easy ways to transition your collection to a safe and healthy supply.
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1. LipsIf you're going to make one change, make it your lipstick. This is the most important product to regulate since it is easily digested.
Like bright-colored lipsticks? Try this instead: Beauty Without Cruelty's Natural Infusion Moisturizing lipstick in Rosehip, $12.69 from Amazon.com
2. Face
The newest trend in face makeup is BB cream, touted as the be-all, end-all for your daily face routine. It moisturizes, protects with SPF, and is tinted to help cover up any spots.
Like wearing foundation every day? Try this instead: Physician's Formula Super BB All-in-1 Beauty Balm Cream, $13.73 from Amazon.com and can also be found at most local drugstores
3. Eyes
Be careful of what you put on your eyes. Mascara has been shown to contain coal tar, a carcinogen, and mercury, a neurotoxin. Protect your eyes with safe mascara.
Can't live without mascara but want to keep it safe? Try this instead: Ecco Bella Flowercolor Natural Mascara in Black, $14.36 from Amazon.com
Don't drive yourself crazy by overhauling your entire beauty regime. Start slowly and see what makes the biggest difference in your life and well-being.
–Celebrity makeup artist Katey Denno
4. NailsYou should be concerned about what's in your nail polish as well. You can ingest chips from your polish when you eat or if you bite your nails.
Need a bright, happy color on your hands? Try this instead: Poofy Organics Nail Polish in Breakfast Blue, $10 from Poofscloset.com
The Environmental Working Group and Safecosmetics.org have made it easy to look up your favorite beauty products and trends. If you have a question on what's in your make up and if it's safe, visit these databases to see where your makeup products fall on the list.
Be mindful of new products you buy, but don't let the idea of dissecting the ingredients list overwhelm you. Denno says to pick your battles.
"Don't drive yourself crazy by overhauling your entire beauty regime," Denno told the Huffington Post. "Start slowly and see what makes the biggest difference in your life and well-being."
