Retool Your Beauty Routine

If you think your beauty cabinet passes muster just because you’ve banished parabens, think again. “A health-minded consumer’s responsibility does not end with the purchase of healthy and eco-friendly bodycare products,” says Julie Ebner, founder of Philadelphia’s Juju Spa and Organics. “We must also spend our money wisely on the related accessories.”

Washcloth. Skip the standard washcloth (which can harbor millions of microbes), and try one made of sustainable ayate from agave plants. “The fibers are renowned for their natural antibacterial properties, and these multipurpose cloths can be used wet or dry,” says Ebner. Exfoliate and boost your circulation when you use your ayate washcloth dry, or lather up with it in the shower. Best of all, these cloths resist mildew and can last up to a year.

Makeup Brushes. If you wouldn’t wear a fur coat, you should definitely forgo animal-hair brushes, made from squirrel, mink, sable, horse, and goat hair that’s been inhumanely sourced. “Consumers should demand cruelty-free makeup tools,” says Ebner. Apply your makeup with brushes made from vegan fibers such as nylon. “Not only are these brushes humane, they are non-porous and smooth, providing a more sanitary application.”

Cotton Balls and Swabs. Splurge on organic cotton balls and ear swabs instead of the conventional variety, which often come loaded with insecticides. And while those swabs with the colorful sticks might look pretty, pass on the non-biodegradable plastic in favor of paper sticks.

Body Brush. Dry body brushing sloughs off dead skin, massages tight muscles, and improves circulation and lymph drainage. Choose a dry brush or loofah made of vegetable fibers, and brush toward the heart to maximize the detoxifying benefits.

Natural Solutions: Vibrant Health, Balanced Living offers its readers the latest news on health conditions, herbs and supplements, natural beauty products, healing foods and conscious living. Click here for a free sample issue.

By Einav Keet, Natural Solutions magazine

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Michele W.

10:45AM PST on Dec 9, 2011

Thank you

send a green star

KS G.

6:05AM PDT on Jul 12, 2011

Thanks for the article.

Rosie L.

2:44PM PST on Feb 7, 2011

Great article TY

Ashley R.

8:17PM PST on Jan 14, 2011

i never really paid much attention to my beauty tools, i have focused most of my energy onto the makeup it self. however, i'm going to go pick up some new eco tools brushes soon. i have heard great things about them and this article made my choice even easier.

Alicia F.

9:19PM PST on Jan 1, 2011

EcoTools are my favourite brushes. The powder brush can't get my love though. It's way too soft and barely picks up any powder of mine :/

Flo W.

10:33PM PST on Dec 20, 2010

eco tools are an affordable drugstore option. urban decay recently came out with some higher end brushes for those looking for department store quality.

Uroosa K.

3:13PM PDT on Jun 21, 2010

I do use synthetic make up brushes. Thank you for the info.

Lynx C.

12:02AM PDT on Mar 26, 2009

How, exactly, are PLASTIC makeup brushes "eco-friendly" or "cruelty-free"? The petrochemical industry isn't exactly environmentally friendly, and the damage it's doing to the ecosystem is probably a lot more harmful to animals than using a bit of scrap fur leftover from the fur industry, which would otherwise probably just end up in the garbage... Nylon bristles are also stiff, scratchy and irritating to the skin.

Caralien S.

6:25AM PST on Jan 29, 2009

Jana, I like most of your posts, but I'm sticking to my cotton washcloths. They last for years--not months--and if they're squeezed out and allowed to air dry instead of left wet in a ball, aren't scary enough for me to worry about microbes. In the summer I use these same wash clothes to dry myself off (including my long hair) so as to retain a little moisture before using olive oil as a moisturiser. Then I air dry while getting dressed.

Additionally, I use the washcloths (we have 5 hanging on a peg rack, the furthest one for defogging the mirror) to set my makeup--using it as a large blotter.

6:17AM PST on Jan 29, 2009

The blond, stiffer makeup brushes (particularly mineral makeup or foundation brushes) are many times nylon. Eco-tools makes nylon brushes with bamboo handles which are affordable:
http://www.beautyandfashiontech.com/2008/03/eco-tools-affordable-makeup-brushes-full-of-quality-and-and-conscious.html