What's In My Makeup Bag?

I get asked ALL THE TIME what kind of makeup I use. I completely understand! It can be hard to find good quality natural makeup that works, without breaking the bank.

Why is it important to use natural makeup anyways? For many of you who have been following us on Facebook and reading the blog it is “old news” that the skin is the biggest organ and ABSORBS what is put on it

Need proof of this? Think about nicotine patches. Through the skin, or transdermally, is a recognized route of absorption for medications, and it works the same way with skin care products

You may be asking yourself “Why do I need natural makeup/skincare? Aren’t the levels of chemicals in there below what is deemed to be safe?”

Yes….and no. Make up and skin care products contain chemicals in amounts based on the determined acceptable levels. So lets say your foundation has chemical A at the acceptable level of 1. The problem is the average woman uses 15 personal care products a day! Don’t think your average…just think about your morning routine…facial cleanser, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, body lotions, facial moisturizer, foundation, mascara, hair spray, deodorant, eye liner, blush….and the list goes on and on.

Safe levels of chemical exposure go out the window when we start using multiple products. Now chemical A that was at its acceptable level of 1 in your foundation is at 15 times the acceptable level (if you are “the average woman”)

So now that you are convinced you should be using natural make up I will share which products I have found to work the best, through A LOT of trial and error J

• Foundation- Sappho Organics

Mineral based foundation has good coverage while still feeling light on the skin. I like the choice of ingredients. Jojoba Oil has an identical fatty acid composition to the skin’s own sebum making it work with both oily and dry complexions.  A bonus that I really like is you can buy samples of the different shades of foundation off their website, making sure you get the perfect match. Vegan Product

• Eye Liner- Zuzu

While not listed as “waterproof” I find it to be. Works as well as a conventional eyeliner! I have had many patients who were experiencing discomfort with their eyeliner switch and have no problems. Vegan and Gluten Free

• Mascara- Fitglow

This mascara is AMAZING! I have tried a tonne, and it’s head and shoulders above the rest. Good for both volume and length. Gluten Free

• Blush- 100% Pure

I am admittedly lazy when it comes to make up. I like a cream blush so I don’t need a brush. This blush comes in great colours that are derived from fruit pigments and blends nicely.

• Lipstick- Ilia

I don’t wear lipstick very often because I think it looks strange on me and I prefer a lip balm…the Eco Chic Movement one of course….but when I do need lipstick I go with Ilia! It’s lead free! The average woman eats 3-5 lbs of lipstick over her lifetime and lead is in a lot of conventional lipsticks. Do yourself a favor and throw those out.

If you are in the Ottawa area, I get all of these products (and more) at Terra20. 

I have tried a tonne of products over the year in the process of overhauling my bathroom. Are there any other favorites of mine you would like me to write about? Post in the comments and I will see what I can do.

Dr Alexis 

Dr Alexis practices in Kanata and is accepting new patients. To schedule your appointment, click here.

Naturopathic Medicine is covered by most extended health insurance benefits.