Switching to Mineral Makeup

January 10, 2012 by Alia 13 Comments

After reading No More Dirty Looks, There’s Lead in Your Lipstick, and Not Just a Pretty Face last year, I ditched all of my regular makeup. I didn’t know exactly how I was going to survive, but I knew enough to know that I didn’t want to put those chemical-laden products on my face anymore. It wasn’t pretty…

My old make up routine

I had a regular morning routine like many of you. In getting ready for work every morning, I would carefully apply eye shadow, blush, and of course, lipstick. On important days, I’d add a bit of eye liner and maybe even some mascara. On top of everything, to ensure an even look, I’d puff on the powder. I didn’t use a lot of any one item, but I did it every day. It doesn’t take a lot of product to add a lot of synthetics to your skin.

No more chemical-laden products

I went away for a little vacation for about a week last summer. When I came back, I couldn’t stomach the thought of more makeup. I’d been doing a lot of reading and I knew that my regime wasn’t the best for me. So, I stopped. I went back to work after my time off with no makeup whatsoever. I felt a bit naked for the first few days. But, before I knew it, I actually enjoyed the new look. I had less to do in the morning and my skin felt cleaner (go figure!).  Except for a few special days, my new routine worked well.

Those special occasions…

It was fine, except for those special occasions, like the day when I had to get a professional photo taken or when I was co-hosting a fundraising event, or the Christmas party! I broke down. I dug out what was left of my old regime and brushed it on. Except for all of the chemicals, it was just what I needed for those special days. The photos came out great, I looked the part of a fundraiser host, and I was ready for the Christmas party. If nothing else, it confirmed that I needed to find a solution that would work for me.

My new regime of natural makeup

My sister-in-law had recognized my dilemma. She herself has been using natural products for much longer than me. She first gently suggested and then prodded and finally reminded me again about the line that she uses. She recommended the Jane Iredale line of makeup. After the New Year’s Eve party (when she saw me once again drag out my old makeup) we went to the store together and she showed me all of the lovely options that this line offers. This line doesn’t include any parabens or extra chemicals. It uses minerals and has not been tested on animals. Could it get any better? Yes…the products rate very well on the Skin Deep site.  And one last thing, they smell great!

I left with a beautiful bag full of goodies. Thanks to my lovely sister-in-law, I am now equipped with eye shadow, mascara, lip stick, rouge and a few other luxuries. I’m not convinced that I will start wearing makeup every day just yet, but I definitely feel ready for the next special event that I get to attend!