Ideal Bite

Wanna make(up) like a coal digger's daughter?

10.28.2008

Submitted by tmeronek on Tue, 10/28/2008 - 12:28am.

The Bite:

Smudge on some minerals. Eco-mineral makeup gives a natural glow - not a synthetic one. No pickaxe necessary.

The Benefits:

Staking your healthy-skin claim. Our mineral-based picks are easier on your skin, since they don't contain the dyes, fragrances, and preservatives found in conventional makeup. (Best not to use mineral makeup on damaged skin, since it contains potentially skin-irritating nanoparticles.)
Hitting the sun protection mother lode. The titanium dioxide and zinc oxide found in most mineral makeup is a natural sunscreen (SPF 15 in many cases).
Leaving less of a trace. If you opt for cosmetics with fewer synthetics (such as the potential carcinogen parabens), you'll wash fewer down the shower drain... and ultimately into nature. (And BTW - most mineral makeup isn't actually mined; it's produced in safe labs, so you don't have to worry about mine waste.)

Personally Speaking:

New Senior Editor Theresa loves the Bare Escentuals mineral-based line - it gives her the same level of coverage as conventional makeup.

Wanna Try:

Bare Escentuals BareMinerals Foundation - naturally SPF 15, it can even hide veins; 19 shades ($25).
Tarte Provacateur Pressed Powder - SPF 8 powder that combats oil like a champ; in fair or tan ($28).
Raw Minerals Mineral Glow - go for the bronze without stepping foot outside ($25).
Afterglow Mineral Eye Shadow - almost 30 colors to give your eyes good shimmer ($18).

Cocktail Fact

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, mining is the second-most dangerous industry for workers, just after agriculture (which includes fishing, forestry, and hunting).

Bang For The Bite

If 10,000 Biters buy natural cosmetics instead of synthetics for a year, we'll contribute $6.5 million to cosmetics companies that give a hoot about the planet, not just profits.

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