November 2008 Archives

As the scary chemicals in makeup and beauty products get more mainstream press, many health-savvy consumers have been switching to natural and mineral makeup alternatives.

Now you can add teenagers to the group. Teens for Safe Cosmetics, a teen-run initiative to eliminate harmful chemicals from makeup and beauty products, has partnered with the ecofabulous blog, to write product reviews for the site. (Click here for a compilation of the teen reviewers' favorite natural products.) Consult this adolescent oracle before Xmas shopping this year. You'll be your teen's favorite parent/aunt/friend for life!

If you or your teenager (or anyone you know) want more information on safe cosmetics, check out The Cosmetics Database, run by the Environmental Working Group. You can search lists and lists of products and find out how they rank on a scale of not-toxic to it's-so-toxic-it-could-make-your-skin fall off. The site has a wealth of information.

And it pays to vet your products with a site like the Cosmetics Database. Labeling guidelines for health and beauty products are basically nonexistent in the US. That might not be such a big deal if the FDA regulated more of the dangerous chemicals. Currently, the FDA bans fewer than 12 chemicals. By comparison, the European Union bans over 1,000.

Sigh.

Starbucks is giving out a free, 12oz cup of brewed coffee to anyone who votes tomorrow. After you vote, take proof of voting (in states without proof of voting, SB is relying on the honor system) to your nearest store and get a caffeine boost for nothing! Hooray for democracy and free coffee!