Check out this article on how to make your own mineral makeup!
http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Mineral-Makeup/
I just might give it a try myself.
All the best,
Karen
www.KarenLCox.com
Our Trip to Trader Joe’s
April 13, 2008 By
In our increasing attempts at making healthier, greener life choices, my family and I were thrilled with our visit to Trader Joe’s in Lake Zurich, IL.
We didn’t know what to expect, but we were pleased to find variety, and some natural and organic alternatives, at reasonable prices. Among our purchases was vegetable root chips which satisfied my need for a potato chip alternative. We are also going to try a laundry detergent that contains no phosphates or formaldehyde, and is safer for the water system.
If you’d like to give Trader Joe’s a try, you can visit their web site to find a location near you.
Making healthier, greener choices can be a bit overwhelming. If you take it in steps, you’ll find it to be an easier journey. Our current strategy is looking for choices that contain less (or none) of the ingredients, preservatives, etc. that we want to avoid.
Best wishes,
Karen
www.KarenLCox.com
Going Green!
March 9, 2008 By
As my makeup supply began to dwindle, and my awareness of how little it can take to make a difference by visiting www.thehungersite.org, I began searching for resources on going and living “green”. There are so many small things we can do that will really add up — not only for our environment, but for our health as well.
For example, according to www.energystar.gov:
If every American home replaced just one light bulb with an ENERGY STAR qualified bulb, we would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes for a year, more than $600 million in annual energy costs, and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of more than 800,000 cars.
These compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) cost more than incandescent bulbs, but they last longer and save on your electric bill. My family has personally found this to be a very beneficial switch.
And, what about the makeup and other beauty products we use on our skin? Most contain known toxins — and it’s all legal. The key here is learn (at least some) of the ingredients to avoid, and always, always read the labels.
I found an easy-to-read list at www.AlchemistsApprentice.com. This site offers mineral makeup that does not contain harmful ingredients. I’ve recently ordered samples, and I’ll let you know how that goes.
Another site which offers mineral makeup is www.CanaryCosmetics.com. I have tried their samples, and like their product. I have very sensitive skin with mild rosacea, however, and I need a bit more coverage than the product offered. But, it did provide acceptable coverage, and it looked quite natural. Other makeup options tend to fade from my nose quickly, leaving me looking like Rudolph, but Canary Cosmetics’ makeup lasted the best so far.
Quiz: If you buy something labeled “all natural”, it has to be safe, right?
WRONG. The term “all natural” is currently not standardized in the cosmetics industry. Even certain natural ingredients are harmful. Again, the best defense is to learn some of the names of the harmful ingredients and read the labels.
By reading labels, I found that a particular makeup line thought to be safe contains parabens – an ingredient used as a preservative in many cosmetics. Parabens have been found in breast cancer tissue and may affect the body in a manner similar to estrogen. This is still a controversial topic, but you can find products without parabens (and other harmful ingredients).
My journey has only just begun, but I’ll be sharing more of what I learn as I go along. If this posting has peaked your interest, too, you may also enjoy:
365 Ways to Live Green: Your Everyday Guide to Saving the Environment
Green Chic
To Your Health and Well Being,
Karen
www.KarenLCox.com
Celebrating National Wear Red Day: Friday, Feb. 1
January 28, 2008 By
According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally. An estimated 17.5 million people died of cardiovascular disease in 2005 (compared to 7.6 million people who died of cancer that same year).
In America, heart disease is the #1 killer of women (young and old), ending the lives of nearly half a million each year. To increase awareness and address misconceptions, the American Heart Association initiated its Go Red campaign in 2004.
This Friday, February 1, the campaign celebrates its fifth annual National Wear Red Day. Pull out your favorite red dress, blouse, purse, or accessories and show your support of the fight against heart disease.
To learn more about your potential risks for heart disease, visit the AHA web site, www.GoRedforWomen.org. The site offers the GoRed Heart Checkup, heart-healthy recipes, inspiring stories, and more.
To your health,
Karen
www.KarenLCox.com
