Ladies, we've been duped. While we've been diligently filtering our water, choosing organic produce, and getting our 8 hours of beauty sleep, there's been a silent offender lurking in our makeup bags. The cosmetics we trustingly apply every day can harbor a cocktail of chemicals that our skin – our body's largest organ – absorbs. This not only impacts our skin's glow but also our overall health, hormones, and even our delicate microbiome.

It was this startling revelation that led me to collaborate with a dedicated team at Alive and Well. We embarked on a mission: to create a non-toxic skincare and beauty range that aligns with our values of holistic health. Our vision? To offer these products not just at our brick-and-mortar store, but also online for everyone seeking healthier alternatives.

For the past few months, my life has been a whirlwind of product sampling. I've immersed myself in oils, creams, serums, and everything in between, all in the quest to curate the very best for you. Today, I’m excited to share with you some of the very best brands I’ve come across.

But before we dive into the gems I've discovered, let’s address the elephant in the room: the nasty little chemicals you should never put on that gorgeous skin of yours.

The Dirty Dozen: Makeup's Most Wanted Offenders

Before we delve deeper, let’s unveil the notorious 'Dirty Dozen' – the 12 worst toxic culprits often found in conventional cosmetics:

1. Parabens: Synthetic preservatives linked to hormone disruption.

2. Phthalates: Chemicals that can meddle with our reproductive system.

3. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): Linked to cancer, neurotoxicity, and organ toxicity.

4. BHT/BHA: Synthetic antioxidants with potential carcinogenic properties.

5. Synthetic Fragrances: Often hide a mixture of undisclosed chemicals.

6. Formaldehyde: A known carcinogen found in nail polish and hair treatments.

7. Coal Tar: Used in dandruff shampoos and linked to cancer.

8. Toluene: A solvent, neurotoxicant, and immune system toxin.

9. Propylene Glycol: Can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.

10. PEGs (Polyethylene Glycols): Potentially contaminated with carcinogens.

11. Siloxanes: These silicone-based compounds can disrupt our endocrine system.

12. Petrolatum: In hair products, can contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) which are linked to cancer.

Why the Urgency to Switch?

1. Health First: With risks ranging from irritation to hormonal disruption and even cancer, can we afford to ignore the warning signs?

2. Planet over Products: Many synthetic ingredients are non-biodegradable, harming aquatic life and polluting our world.

3. Empower through Information: When we equip ourselves with information, we can make informed, confident decisions that positively impact our families and our health, leading to a more fulfilling life.

But here's the silver lining: Many beauty brands are evolving rapidly. Numerous brands seamlessly blend quality with consciousness, ensuring your beauty routine remains a pleasure, not a peril.

7 Clean Makeup Brands That Got Your Back:

1. 100% Pure: Purity over everything, ensuring your skin absorbs only the best.

2. Alima Pure: Minimalist ingredients, maximum quality, and an extensive shade range for all.

3. Bully Blocker: Mineral based, chemical free, buildable coverage. Top notch protection from the elements.

4. ILIA Beauty: Fusing organic components with modern beauty tech.

5. Juice Beauty: Antioxidant-rich, plant-derived ingredients that deliver results. Pretty effective skincare line to boot!

6. Ritual de Fille: Ancient alchemy meets modern rituals with rich pigments for all the color without the junk.

7. RMS Beauty: Offering lush pigments, sans toxins, with ingredients in their purest form.

It's clear: beauty is not just surface deep. As we play up our natural features, it's not just about adding some sparkle; it's about loving what's beneath. We should be nourishing and protecting both our skin and our overall health. Remember, it's not about making all the changes at once. Start by switching out one or two products at a time, based on what aligns with your budget. Read those labels diligently and download the EWG Healthy Living app or head to their site to do your own research. At the very least, pledge to purge your beauty regimen of the dirty dozen.

With knowledge and better choices, we can continue to enjoy the ritual of beauty without the hidden dangers. Your move, beautiful! 🌿💄🌍

And now, I'd love to hear from you. What are your favorite clean beauty brands? What products have you swapped out, and which ones have you fallen in love with? Share your discoveries in the comments below and let's create a community where we uplift each other in our journey towards cleaner, healthier beauty.