Natural Beauty

Going green isn’t just beneficial for the environment, it is beneficial for you. There are so many products out there that we have used forever because there weren’t alternatives or we didn’t know about them - that’s all about to change! Everything from shower curtains to baby bottles to makeup is entering the green realm and it is important that we all know what’s out there and why it’s better for us and our environment. It’s a new year and a new you!

So girls, let’s make sure that what we put on our skin not only makes us beautiful on the outside, but keeps our insides beautiful as well! With that in mind, we are excited to announce the launch of Mahya Mineral Makeup. This is an all natural, all mineral alternative to the commercial, synthetic, chemical filled makeups we have all used. There are many benefits to mineral makeups, so let me mention just a few:

• All natural ingredients - no bismuth oxychloride
• Lightweight and non-comodogenic (it won’t clog your pores!) - perfect for those of us with sensitive skin, dryness, acne, etc.
• Bacteria and microbes CANNOT live in mineral makeup keeping them off of your skin and out of your body
• Long shelf life with NO preservatives
• Contains UVA & UVB sun protection, zinc, magnesium and some anti-inflammatories
• Completely oil free
• Hides wrinkles, crow’s feet & fine lines without feeling like you are wearing a mask
• You can sleep in it… seriously!
• Water resistant
• And the coolest feature… One pot of loose pigment can be used as your eye shadow, lipstick, nail polish, blush and eyeliner. All you need is the right brush!

What’s in commercial cosmetics
If you haven’t tried mineral makeup, I highly recommend it, but more importantly, start checking the labels of the items you have in your makeup bag now. Chemicals hiding in our lipsticks and blushes have been linked to various health risks. There is no need to wear a hazmat suit while going through your cosmetics, but it is important to be aware and informed about potential risks. A few things to look for are listed below. For further information on the health risks associated with these chemicals, please check out the links at the bottom of the page:

Pthalates [also known as di-n-butyl pthalate (DBP) and di(2-ethylexyl) phthalate (DEHP)]: these chemicals are used to make plastics pliable and are found in nail polish, body lotions, hair products and fragrances.

Lauryl Sulfate [also known as SLS or SLES]: foaming agent and emulsifier derived from petroleum. These chemicals are found in shampoo, body and shower gels, bath salts and toothpaste.

Amine Family [includes Diethanolamine (DEA), triethanolamine (TEA) and monoethanolamine (MEA)]: these ammonia compounds function as preservatives, emulsifiers, pH adjusters and foaming agents. They are found in face powders, shaving creams, hair coloring, hair sprays, soaps, sunscreens, foundations, concealers, eyeliners, talcs and face powders.

Formaldehyde [also known as Diazolidinyl urea, 3-diol Imidazolidinyl urea, DMDM Hydantoin, Quaternium-15, Nitroopropane-1, Formalin, Methanal, Methyl aldehyde, Methylene oxide, Morbicic acid, Oxymethylene]: functions as a preservative, defoamer, germicide, fungicide and disinfectant. These are found in a variety of makeup products, shampoos, conditioners, shower gels, nail polish, mouthwash, bubble bath and antiperspirants.

Paraben Preservatives [also known as alkyl-p-hydroxybenzoates (methyl, propyl, butyl and ethyl)]: found in nail creams, foundations, mascara, facial masks, deodorants, sunscreen and hair color. They function as preservatives.

Other ingredients to keep an eye on are synthetic fragrances and synthetic colors.

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics
Safe Mama Glossary
The Environmental Working Group
Cosmetics Database