Go Green and Gorgeous with These Eco-Beauty Finds for Summer

For the second year, GoGreenInside® shopped the Environmental Defence Eco-Beauty Market, on the look-out for the best non-toxic beauty products for summer.

There were plenty of familiar faces – all the participating companies in this program and at the event have taken Environmental Defence’s Just Beautiful Pledge to keep the Toxic Ten out of their products – as well as some new ones, and we feature a sampling of our top finds below.

Be sure to check out our Summer 2012 round-up as well, and you’ll have everything you need for a green, gorgeous summer beauty routine.

 

Simply Coco Loco Sun Care

Simply Coco Loco Sun CareMade by Jaydancin, this coconut oil-based product offers an alternative to sunscreen. Coconut oil has been used for generations by islanders and is said to work by protecting the skin rather than blocking the sun (and thus preventing the body from producing beneficial Vitamin D).

According to Dr. Bruce Fife, bestselling author of The Coconut Miracle, coconut oil works “by preventing free-radical reactions which lead to all the consequences caused by overexposure to the sun.” Coco Loco contains only three ingredients – coconut oil, beeswax and Vitamin E.

For best results, the company suggests you “gradually build up your resistance to sun exposure,” applying the oil and spending 30 minutes in the sun on the first day, and then extending exposure to the sun by 10 minutes after that.

Small: $ 8.00 Large: $16.00 at jaydancin.com

Yoga-TTA clean your mat spray

Yoga-TTA clean your mat sprayNamed by her imaginative children, Yoga-TTA (pronounced “Yo-Gatta,” as in “you’ve gotta”) clean your mat spray is the invention of yoga enthusiast and pharmacist Marjorie Ambrosio-Whitson, who wanted a product she could use not only to clean her yoga mat after a sweaty session of hot yoga, but also to safely spritz on her feet to ward off unwanted nasties (since every individual has their own sensitivities, she suggests trying it on a small test area before using it as a foot spray).

The result is a fragrant combination which includes witch hazel water, tea tree oil and several essential oils, packing a powerfully pleasant deodorizing and antimicrobial punch. Ideal for all forms of summertime exercise, including barefoot walks or dancing in the park. Works on kitchen counters, kids’ car seats and sneakers too!

$5.99 (60 ml)/$10.99 (120 ml). Find Yoga-TTA on Facebook

Sappho Organic Cosmetics

Sappho Cosmetics Liquid Foundation in RachelMovie and TV makeup artist JoAnn Fowler created this ultra natural line after researching cosmetic safety at the prompting of “L Word” actors Mia Kirshner and Jennifer Beals. Many of the products, like this liquid mineral foundation, bear the name of an actor with whom JoAnn has worked (pictured here, “Rachel” for light medium skin tones, named for actor Rachel Shelly).

Chock full of antioxidants, preserved with essential oils and vegan, it’s also free of dimethicone, allowing skin to breathe freely while providing great coverage.

A little goes a long way – the rep we talked to suggests using the amount that sits in the cap after shaking, and then applying it with their foundation brush for a smooth application. Try going one shade darker in the summer, or add a touch of bronzer.

30ml $48 at sapphocosmetics.com

Sigrid Natural Skin Care Divine Hand Cream

Sigrid Divine Hand CreamGardening can leave hands chapped and rough; soothe them with this rich but non-greasy hand cream that hydrates, softens, cleanses and stimulates circulation.

Created with nutritious oils, beeswax for protecting skin and a blend of therapeutic essential oils, this cream is good for all skin types.

$21.00 (125 mL) at sigridnaturals.com

worldSALON worldREPAIR

worldREPAIRFor hair that’s turned to straw from sun or (perish the thought!) chlorine, or that just feels like it needs to be deeply nourished, turn to this rich emulsion of natural ingredients to spin it back into silk.

worldREPAIR is a deep conditioning hair treatment to replenish, moisturize and strengthen tired locks that is especially beneficial for color-treated or processed hair. Together with their multi, multi-purpose worldCLEAN and worldPROTECT products, you have the trifecta of natural care for your hair (and much more). Don’t leave home without them!

$29 (113g)/ $45 (227g) at world.ca

Ilia Lipstick

ILIA Lipstick in Neon AngelA lot of the lipstick you wear ends up in your body, digested along with your food, so you want to make sure it’s free of toxic chemicals and heavy metals.

Green Beauty, the Toronto-based curated beauty boutique, spa and hair studio loves the Ilia line of natural lipsticks for its moisturizing, deep pigment and long lasting wear. We also appreciate the fashion-forward colour choices (pictured here, Neon Angel).

$24 at greenbeauty.ca

Ella’s Botanicals My Darling Clementine Hydrating Lotion

Ella Botanicals My Darling Clementine Hydrating LotionWe love the name, the smell (orange and tangerine), and the feel of this non-greasy lotion for hands and body. Sunflower and avocado oil provide Vitamin E, A and D, penetrating, moisturizing and protecting the skin, while aloe vera helps to stimulate cell regeneration and improve skin’s elasticity.

$20 (8 oz/250g) at ellasbotanicals.ca

 Check company websites for a list of other retailers carrying their products.


Keren Brown is the President of Go Green Inside® and the publisher of gogreeninside.ca. She is a writer and editor with a background in communications consulting and non-profits, and was Founding Executive Director of the Holistic Health Research Foundation of Canada.