If you’re a moon-worshiping goddess, you’re most likely on the lookout for beauty essentials that reflect your luminous inner beauty. Well, we’ve rounded up five amazing beauty products that all moon lovers will adore.

1. Urban Decay Moondust Eye Shadow

Sure, you may not be able to go to the moon, but with a swipe or two of Urban Decay’s Liquid Moondust you can look as magical as the far away celestial body. This new product from Urban Decay is filled with lush, 3-D metallics and iridescent sparkle that will leave your eyelids diamond bright. This formula is lightweight and comes in eight dreamy shades. Priced at $22.

2. Floss Gloss Zodiac nail colors

Floss Gloss is known for carrying fun nail polish colors that are 7-Free—free of bad, harsh, yucky materials. Floss has outdone itself yet again and started carrying zodiac specific nail polish. While all the kits are great, we’re recommending you get the Capricorn set. It contains three shades that are perfect for autumn. Three for $20.

3. Sleep Moon Dust

Sometimes becoming one with the moon entails sleeping when it’s up. And sometimes getting shuteye can seem like an impossible task in today’s fast-paced world. Well, Moon Juice’s Night Dust wants to help you get some much-needed shuteye. This vegan nightcap is filled with tea-ready herbs to help you get a good night sleep. Priced at $55.

4. Moon Bath Salts

If you enjoy bathing in the light of the moon—and who doesn’t—you’ll dig Species By The Thousands’ bath salts collection. The Brooklyn, New York company sells New Moon and Full Moon bath salts. Each product is supposed to be used and enjoyed during the corresponding moon phase. Each product has salts, herbs and flowers. Priced at $26.

5. Moon Nail Stickers

Add a little sass to your freshly painted nails by investing in these incredibly affordable nail stickers. These moon phase stickers are easy to apply—you don’t have to be a nail technician to figure this out. The set comes with 20 stickers—enough for 20 manicures. Once applied, they should last about a week. Priced at $5.99.

Related on EcoSalon
Gaze at the Strawberry Moon During the Summer Solstice [Video]
The Moon has a Lot in Common with Your Annoying Friend [Video]
Look to the Stars: Beauty Products for Every Astrological Sign

Woman and moon via Shutterstock

The post 5 Beauty Products Moon Lovers Won’t Wane On appeared first on EcoSalon.

There are many paths you can take to honing in on your ideal beauty products. Choosing for your skin tone and eye color is important. Whether skin is oily, dry, or normal is another important factor. But have you ever considered your astrological sign?

Wait, what?

You read it right. Beauty products perfectly suited to each zodiac sign. Hey, if you can choose a career or navigate a relationship based on your sign, a lipstick or eyeshadow is fair game, too, right?

And that makes a lot of sense, if you think about it. Each sign has unique characteristics. Take bold Aries. She would definitely be more likely to sport a fuchsia lipstick than, say, a more reserved Cancer.

Want to know which makeup product is perfect for your sign? Natural makeup brand, Alima Pure, has put together a handy dandy list of beauty products by astrological sign. Take a peek.

Which Beauty Products are Perfect for Your Astrological Sign?

Aries

Alima Pure says: After hectic March with its two eclipses, a little slowness and stillness helps you re-center. With the Sun in Aries, it is a time for articulating life goals and plotting new ways to go after them. A little Highlighter in Whisper on the cheekbones is the perfect dewy spring look for deep contemplation.

EcoSalon says: Aries isn’t afraid of a challenge. Why not take it one step further and add a touch of highlighter eyelids and lips for a super updated, musical festival season look?

Taurus

Alima Pure says: Before the excitement of birthday season, clear out the things that are holding you back, and focus your energy on self-restoration as you prepare for excitement waiting in the wings. Try Satin Matte Eyeshadow in Sage.

EcoSalon says: While you are doing some mental clearing, how about giving your diet a good spring cleaning too?

Gemini

Alima Pure says: Now is the time to find your tribe and enjoy being your strange and amazing self around the people who cherish your eccentricities more than anything else. Plan a new adventure with them that you’ll be able to look back on for years to come—the quirkier the better. Rock a bold smoky eye and explore with Luminous Shimmer Eyeshadow in Tigereye.

EcoSalon says: Sounds like it may be time to stock up on some hot travel tips.

Cancer

Alima Pure says: The tension between Mars and Saturn forms a wedge between you and your lofty goals, perhaps preventing you from springing into action. With a solid plan, nothing is out of reach. But is there something beneath the surface that requires your attention first? Fresh, wearable Satin Matte Blush in Antique Rose adds a healthy pop of color to welcome springtime.

EcoSalon says: Nothing conquers mind clutter and helps you get to the bottom of things like a little meditation.

Leo

Alima Pure says: Tried your hand at the lottery lately, Leo? The sweeping winds of luck push you forward toward things you’ve perhaps shied away from in the past. Though better judgment has previously steered you in a different direction, now is the time to take that risk and reap the abundant rewards that await. Luminous Shimmer Eyeshadow in Smoke is the perfect spring wash of color that shakes things up.

EcoSalon says: Speaking of risky behavior. Find out how Julia Roberts stays so gorgeous and youthful looking the natural way.

Virgo

Alima Pure says: Spring cleaning is a time to let go of that nagging toxic habit you’ve been trying to shed for some time now. The first few weeks of April give you a chance to get to the root of the habit, and to develop a new plan for starting fresh. Follow suit on your eyes with Natural Definition Eye Pencil in Paper as a fresh white base for colorful shadow.

EcoSalon says: While healthy habits are totally a good thing, remember not to take them too far.

Libra

Alima Pure says: As you come to the end of a major personal transformation–about two years’ worth of growth and changes–you’re ready to embrace your individual awesomeness. Curb that tendency to get down on yourself by enlisting the Buddy System. Choose a versatile, and wearable shade for shadow, brows, and even liner with Satin Matte Eyeshadow in Raven.

EcoSalon says: Before adorning those peepers, learn how to shape your brows the right way.

Scorpio

Alima Pure says: After the turbulence of March’s eclipses, it’s time to get back to business and deal with the spring cleaning, paperwork, and routines that may have been bumped from your to-do list. Reward your hard work with a fun spring hue–try Pearluster Eyeshadow in Camel for a wearable bronze smoky eye that adds intensity to the color of your eyes.

EcoSalon says: If your spring cleaning needs a push in that direction, find out how to kondo your closets and more.

Sagittarius

Alima Pure says: Some serious hard work has been paying off, and now it’s time to relax and celebrate. Time with your crew is reinvigorating, and whether you’re single or taken, things are about to get exciting. Leave the eyes with a smooth wash of color as you explore what’s out there with Luminous Shimmer Eyeshadow in Oceana.

EcoSalon says: Give off that ‘70s vibe without looking outdated. Shimmer required.

Capricorn

Alima Pure says: Before you’re ready to fully embrace spring, a little winding down and recovery is in store for you. Make your home a place for recuperation, and celebrate your downtime with an escape into a book that’s been on your list forever, or that show everyone’s been talking about. Keep your look low-maintenance too with moisturizing Lip Tint in Petal.

EcoSalon says: Take in a few classic films with some serious fashion eye candy.

Aquarius

Prepare for the pent-up brilliance and creativity within you to burst free with the new moon. You become more articulate than ever, and your artful persuasion can be the impetus for new projects. You’ll even inspire others to get on board with one of your awesome new ideas. Try a lustrous silvery eyeshadow to match your silver tongue: Luminous Shimmer Eyeshadow in Ava.

EcoSalon says: Give creativity a boost with these inspo-inducing ideas.

Pisces

Repeat after me, Pisces: No. Scrubs. Whether you realize it or not, you’re now beyond the halfway point of a slow, but steady two-year era of self-improvement and growth. Now comes the fun part, where deeper connections with those around you (or perhaps just a certain special one?!) yield the attention and kindness you deserve. Try Luminous Shimmer Eyeliner in Nightfall.

EcoSalon says: Try your hand at the new, colorful take on a smoky eye.

Related on EcoSalon

11 Playful Ways to Rock Cat Eye Makeup

A Guide to Perfect Eyeliner: Make Your Eyes Light Up

How to Make Your Eye Makeup Last All Day

Horoscope image via Shutterstock

The post Look to the Stars: Beauty Products for Every Astrological Sign appeared first on EcoSalon.

There are plenty of binge-worthy bits of entertainment on Netflix right now — I’m currently crushing on “Jessica Jones” and revisiting “Twin Peaks.” But if you’re similar to me, you may feel like you should be doing something else while you’re taking in all that entertainment. Well, I’ve discovered the perfect thing to do while watching incredibly enthralling things (thanks, Internet). That thing is: use organic beauty products.

Yes, we all work hard. And, true, it’s really hard to remember to put on a face mask once a week, let alone remember to take out your contacts before you go to bed. So, why not make binge-watch time beauty time? The following items will make sitting on your couch and chilling even more worth it, and will also leave your skin glow-y, rather than pillow-smushed and tired.

Image via Michael Todd

1. Mask Madness

If you’re going to sit on your ass for three-plus hours, you may as well be wearing a luxurious face mask. This pack from Michael Todd contains three great masks that serve different purposes. The Pumpkin Mask will brighten dull skin and diminish the appearance of fine lines. The Charcoal Mask is perfect for getting rid of excess oil and detoxifying skin. And the Milk and Honey Mask will help exfoliate skin while moisturizing your mug. Priced at $102.

Image via One Love

2. Skin Savior

After you’re done with all that mask business, slather on some of One Love Organics’ Skin Savior. This multi-tasking wonder balm can prime your skin for makeup — if you decide to go out later. It keeps skin supple and happy because it’s filled with an antioxidant-rich blend of organic coconut oil, mango butter, jojoba, and chia. Priced at $49.

Image via Spirit Beauty Lounge

3. Fabulous Organic Foot Balm

All feet could use a little TLC. Enter Suti’s Organic Foot Balm. This balm will rehydrate and revive your tired, dry feet all while you’re relaxing and sipping chardonnay. The balm contains peppermint, eucalyptus, lemon, olive oil, avocado, carrot, calendula, rosemary, and pumpkin seed. Priced at $29.50.

Related on EcoSalon

Something Unexpected in Spring Makeup: Violet Hues for Every Face!

7 Hard and Fast Rules of Applying Concealer for Amazing Results

Gorgeous Blush Colors That’ll Make You…Blush

Image of women watching TV via Shutterstock

The post 3 Organic Beauty Products to Use While You Netflix and…Sloth appeared first on EcoSalon.

Beauty trends every ’90s beauty junkie had in her Caboodles.

The ’90s were a magical time filled with sparkle—literally, since we never left home without our body glitter. Here, 11 beauty trends of yesteryear that turned us into the professional makeup junkies we are today (cue Spice Girls):

1. Love’s Baby Soft Perfume

Guaranteed, there’s at least one old boyfriend who catches a whiff of Love’s Baby Soft and is sent back to the nights he spent with you… watching “Dawson’s Creek” against his will. (Pacey forever!)

2. Roll-On Body Glitter

Just before school dances especially, we’d slather on the glitter and look like more of a disco ball than the disco ball. Swoon.

3. Lip Smacker

Even though I was more of a watermelon girl (shhh!), there’s no denying Dr. Pepper-flavored Lip Smacker was one of the ultimate ’90s beauty trends.

4. Hard Candy Nail Polish

Hard Candy was one of the most badass brands around. Not only did the polishes come in oodles of incredible colors, the bottles came with irresistibly gaudy rings we’d of course swap among friends.

5. Wet N Wild Lipstick

The Wet N Wild makeup line had a big moment in the ’90s, basically because teen girls could actually afford it. (I remember buying two lipsticks and still having enough left for lunch.) There was no question about it: We just had to have every shade worn by celebs like Neve Campbell and Sarah Michelle Gellar to show off our dark and twisty side.

6. Neutrogena Facial Cleansing Bar

For many of us, this was the first grown-up soap we bought—not just because Jennifer Love Hewitt encouraged us to with her upbeat, teen dream advertisements, but because it became our partner-in-crime when the whole acne thing kicked in.

7. Herbal Essences Shampoo

The rose hips shampoo totally made up for all the fake orgasms going on in their (ridiculous) commercials.

8. Bottled Emotions Perfume

There were a ton of perfume options back in the day, and this one was my ultimate fave. Not only did they come in adorable bottles that easily fit into your mini backpack, they were the ultimate form of self-expression. Whether you felt “playful” or “romantic” or “sassy,” there was a scent that fit your mood perfectly.

9. Fetish Cologne

Fetish was one of those ’90s beauty trends where we didn’t care what it smelled like (though it did smell ah-mazing), we just wanted the uber-funky bottle it came in.

10. Noxzema

The grown-up blue jar. The tingle as you slathered it all over your face, Mrs. Doubtfire-style. Sigh. Those were the days.

11. Maybelline Kissing Koolers

Kissing Koolers were the bomb. They smelled amazing, tasted great (strawberry fizz, anyone?), and they were super easy to tuck in your pocket—so easy that many a Kissing Kooler was lost to the washing machine.

What were your fave ’90s beauty trends?

Related on EcoSalon

9 Ways to Mix Prints Like a ’90s Fashion Diva

From ‘Buffy’ to ‘The X Files’: 6 ’90s TV Shows to Revisit

The Rad Return of ’90s Fashion

Image: Giphy

The post 11 Beauty Trends Every ’90s Girl Was Totally Buggin’ Over appeared first on EcoSalon.

Don’t you just love when a good thing gets even better? If you like Target (and who doesn’t?), you are going to love the expanded Target Subscriptions.

Did you know Target has a subscription service? Well, yes they do. And, as with all things Target, it’s a dandy. Think Amazon, but only the stuff you shop in person on the regular.

The best part of Target’s subscription program is that it includes beauty products. And Targ carries some quality beauty that is also pure and safe. Yep, products free from harmful ingredients, from one of your favorite stores, sent directly to your home, on a regular basis. Definitely a better-your-life trick to add to your beauty resolutions list this year.

We’re all busy. How convenient to get your most used items delivered? The upshot is not just that you will never find yourself out of your special stash, but it will even save you some green.

How does that happen? Aside from the impulse buying you will not be taking part in by frequenting the actual store less often, Target offers some pretty special savings to its subscription members. You’ll get 5% off all orders, free shipping, plus an additional 5% off when you use your REDcard. You pick your items and set the delivery schedule.

Now, let’s get back to shopping those healthy products. Add these to your Target Subscriptions.

Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Nourishing Body Oil // The perfect skin conditioner, pregnant or not. Made with sweet almond and lemon oils, and vitamin E to support and hydrate skin.

Burt’s Bees Lip Balm // These beeswax based balms are smooth, super conditioning, and taste great. Stock up and stash them in desks, drawers, gym bags, purses, backpacks…

SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter infused with Frankincense & Myrrh // Perfect for calming and repairing dry skin. Use on body, hands, and feet for the whole family.

SheaMoisture Lemongrass & Ginger Hand & Body Scrub // Exfoliate, moisturize, and soothe with this invigorating sugar scrub. Use on hands and feet too.

Honest Organic Belly Balm // Formulated for pregnant bellies, but this gentle balm is suitable for anyone. Use to soften and heal skin.

Honest All Natural Hand Sanitizer Gel with Aloe // Keep one in the car and another near sinks to keep hands (little and big) clean and germ free. Mild scent.

Honest Mandarin Foaming Hand Soap // Lightly scented citrus soap that gets hands clean sans the harsh chemicals.

Check out all of our recommendations here: 

Related on EcoSalon:

Waitrose Baby Bottom Butter: Anti-Aging Superstar or Average Diaper Cream?

20 Funny Shopping Quotes that are Oh-So-True

Delivery, Please! Why Online Shopping May be Better for the Environment

Image of woman receiving delivery via Shutterstock

The post Target Subscriptions: Healthy Beauty Items Delivered to Your Door appeared first on EcoSalon.

So, you made it to the gym, or the mountain, or the pool or your exercise location of choice? Getting there is half the battle, so congratulations! These are 7 of the best beauty products to keep in your gym bag after an intense workout.

Now you’ve had a great workout and are feeling energized, but perhaps also sweaty and grimy. You don’t have time to run home and shower so keep these beauty products on hand to feel refreshed without much time or effort. Reward yourself for your hard work with delicious-smelling products.

After a workout, your endorphins are flowing and your cheeks are likely to be flushed. Rinse off the grime on your face to reveal a glowing complexion. Rely on your natural beauty with these eco friendly products and don’t immediately reapply make-up. Use a witch hazel wipe, tie your hair up and out of your glowing face, throw on some lip balm and you’re ready to go.

Don’t forget to drink tons of water after a workout and have a delicious leafy-green meal or juice. Use the energy from your workout to motivate you to eat better. I like to drink an extra bottle of water when I exercise and keep an apple or healthy snack on hand to eat immediately after.

The 7 Best Beauty Products for a Post-Gym Glow

1. Dickinson’s Witch Hazel towelettes

The face is probably the most important area to freshen up after a workout. There’s nothing like splashing cool water on your face after a long hike but it’s likely you’ve got sunscreen and sweat built up. Swipe one of these amazing witch hazel towelettes to remove makeup, sunscreen and grime.

2. Caudalie Cleaning Water 

If you didn’t have a chance to take off your makeup before hitting the gym, use a gentle makeup remover to get rid of those raccoon eyes. I find the French brand Caudalie makes the best formula. It’s not oily and feels so gentle.

3. Nature’s Gate Fresh Mint Toothpaste 

For fresh breath after an intense sweaty workout I like to use this clean tasting toothpaste.

4. Kai Body Glow

If showering isn’t an option use a spray-on moisturizer with a subtle but sweet scent so you smell like a garden and less like the gym. Kai makes wonderful jasmine-smelling products and the body mist is my absolute favorite.

5. Fresh Lotus Reserve Cream

To hydrate your skin go with something light and non-oily. The bright cucumber smell of Fresh’s Lotus Reserve cream is irresistible.

6. Weleda Rose Deodorant

Don’t forget to re-apply deodorant post-workout. Weleda’s rose deodorant comes in a pretty glass bottle and is free of harmful chemicals.

7. Yarok Feed Your Shine 

To instantly refresh hair, use a few drops of this shine serum spray which is made from sesame oil, coconut oil and delicious-smelling clary sage.

Related on Eco Salon

10 Best Organic Beauty Blogs 

Best Foods for Healthy Skin and Hair

6 Juicy Ingredients to Drink and Wear for Glowing Skin

The post The 7 Best Beauty Products for a Post-Workout Glow appeared first on EcoSalon.

Fact: Beauty products are expensive. Here’s how to make your natural makeup last just a teensy bit longer.

Considering the cash we shell out on beauty products, there’s nothing worse than having to let go of a product because it’s giving us attitude. Whether you’re saying goodbye to a razor after two shaves because it’s gone rusty or tossing your blush because it’s turned into play-doh, learning how to make your natural makeup last longer (or at least, until your next trek to Makeup ‘R Us) is key.

Here are 9 ways to stretch your natural makeup without sacrificing results:

1. Practice portion control
A little goes a long way: You only need a quarter-sized dollop of shampoo and a nickle-sized of conditioner. When it comes to your body wash, you don’t have to suds up every inch of your bod – concentrate more on the areas that get sweaty or trap odors, as too much soap can lead to dry skin. Near the tail end of a bottle, just add a little bit of water so the rest comes out easily.

2. Purchase pump/squeeze bottles instead of jars
When you can help it, purchase your natural makeup in pump or squeeze bottles instead of jars. The air that hits the surface of your creams and lotions can make them go bad faster, and this can be alleviated in your choice of packaging. That being said, trying to get the last remnants of lotion out of a tube can be a little… well, annoying. Invest in a paint tube wringer and leave nothing behind.

3. Just add oil
If your cream eye shadow, blush or concealer are starting to cake up (and they haven’t expired yet), warm up a couple of drops of coconut oil and mix it in to bring your natural makeup back to its former glory.

4. Bring on the pliers
If your favorite makeup brush is starting to go bald, simply use a pair of pliers to secure the metal part and keep those bristles from slipping away.

5. Dry your razor after use
After you’ve used your razor, shake it dry and soak it in oil. The oil will prevent the minerals in your water from hanging out on your blade and keep it from rusting.

6. Keep them cool
To keep your lip and eyeliners moist and firm, store them in your fridge between uses.

7. Choose hard-working natural makeup
You multitask a good 23 hours a day, so why shouldn’t your natural makeup?

• Let your lipstick pull double-duty by using it as a cream blush.
• Use your plain lip balm to tame unruly eyebrows.
• Use a smidge of hand cream to tame frizzy hair when you’re oot and aboot.
• Use eye shadow instead of an eyebrow pencil for a more natural look.
• Use eye shadow as eyeliner when black’s feeling a little blasé.

8. Invest in empty containers/pallets
Most makeup companies sell empty pallets that are just waiting to be filled. These really come in handy when you’re crunched for cash and your lipstick tube’s running on empty. Using the tip of a cotton swab (sans cotton), scrape the remaining lipstick into a pallet and use a lipstick brush to apply. When it comes to your lotions and creams, transfer what’s left into small, clean jars to give you more bang for your buck.

9. Transform old makeup into new
Turn leftover powdered blush into a chic lip gloss by mixing it with cocoa or shea butter. The same goes for powdered eye shadows: By turning them into crème eye shadows, not only will the colors look bolder and richer, but it’ll feel like brand new natural makeup (you know, without the hefty price tag).

How do you make your natural makeup last?

Related on EcoSalon

11 Playful Ways to Rock Cat Eye Makeup

The Foundation of Using Foundation Makeup… Flawlessly

Wash Away the Day With Our Best Makeup Removal Tips

Image: Lynda Sanchez

The post 9 Ways to Stretch Your Natural Makeup So it Lasts Longer appeared first on EcoSalon.

In the golden age of mass-produced everything, you’ll be happy to know the apothecary is making its return in the form of small-batch, local, handmade, natural beauty products.

It used to always be this way. Hand-poured soaps and perfumes, creams and lotions. But you don’t need me to explain how the Beauty Industry changed all that–how Walmart and Target shelves are now lined full of exceptionally cheap (even if they’re expensive) and often highly toxic products that we’re encouraged to slather onto our bodies and our hair.

We’re trained to spend less money more often on products that don’t really even work and may be doing more harm than good. But if we were to invest that same amount of money in small batch apothecary-style handmade natural beauty products often made in our very own community, how would that change our beauty regimen? Would our skin and hair look better?

Apothecary-inspired brands offer just that: high quality, small batch produced beauty care products that are sure to inspire you to feel more beautiful about your investment in looking more beautiful, naturally.

Meow Meow Tweet is a Brooklyn-based beauty care line embodying the apothecary style of production. “Besides the soap, lip balm and the deodorant, which we make weekly, if you order something from our website, we make it to order,” says co-founder, Tara Pelletier. Inspired by Tara’s restaurant experience with cooking whole foods, the brand wanted products that reflected that sensibility. “For us, apothecary is like a small-town pharmacy from the 19th century with a garden out back that the pharmacist harvests from to hand-make lozenges, salves and tinctures according to the needs of the people in the town. We see a direct correlation with modern day apothecaries and the slow food movement. People want to know where their skin care is coming from, who is making it and what’s in it. It’s like community-based skin care.”

I’ve been loving the MMT face and body oils. They just feel right on my skin. So simple and pure. (Sample sent courtesy of MMT but opinions are all my own.) And I’ve been using the deodorant which actually works. Like, all day. I cannot say that about most other “natural” deodorants available. “Deodorant is a tricky thing; one person’s body chemistry might love our deodorant and for another person, it may not be as effective,” explains Tara. And for customers who have special needs, Meow Meow Tweet will work with you: “We make bespoke recipes for folks based on their sensitivities. We recently met a customer with allergies who was desperate to try our deodorant but couldn’t use the shea butter and coconut oil. We made her a dusting powder that she loved. Perhaps, that’s the difference between us and one of the big guys, we’re small enough that we’re still able to go into the kitchen and cook you up something special.”

How adorable is the company name, too? In case you’re wondering (of course you are) it was inspired by their two cats and co-founder Jeff Kurosaki’s cockatiel (back in his home state of Hawaii).

Want to discover more apothecary style beauty care brands? Here are a few others we adore:

Golden Path Alchemy

King’s Road Apothecary

Moon Valley Organics

Zoe Organics

Are handmade beauty products being produced near you? What are your favorites?

Find Jill on Twitter @jillettinger

Related on EcoSalon

3 Revolutionary Ideas Aveda Founder Horst Rechelbacher Brought to the Beauty Care Industry

Indy Organic Beauty Products: 7 Etsy Shops for Natural Makeup & Body Care

Get Chaz Dean’s Wen Hair Care Look for Less (We Cracked the Code!)

Images courtesy of Meow Meow Tweet

The post The Handmade Natural Beauty Products Revival: Return of the Apothecary appeared first on EcoSalon.

A good facial scrub is essential to healthy skin, but is this seemingly innocent beauty product to blame for massive water pollution?

Life on this planet can’t exist without water, yet water pollution is a major problem for countries around the world. And it’s not only the fault of industrial polluters (although they’ve been allowed to dump horrifying toxins into the water supply for decades). Thanks to hidden ingredients in everyday products, we too are contributing to water pollution without even realizing it.

Many modern exfoliation products contain plastic microbeads that help to slough away dead skin cells. What the makers of these products failed to tell us is that these tiny plastic beads are NOT water soluble. When used, they’re flushed away to water treatment plants that aren’t capable of filtering them out. As a result, the end up in the our oceans, lakes and rivers where they wreak havoc on the ecosystem.

The plastics can be digested by marine life like plankton and mussels and then passed along the food chain to human consumption, according to research by the 5 Gyres Institute. The beads can also attract other pollutants in the water and pass it along to humans.

Here in the U.S., the use of products that contain plastic microbeads is taking a toll on the Great Lakes, which together hold nearly one-fifth of the earth’s surface freshwater. “The highest concentrations were found in 2012 in Lake Erie. Researchers found polyethylene and polypropylene that included traces of aluminum silicate and coal ash, often coming from coal power plants. Some of the samples had 450,000 particles of plastic per square kilometer,” reports EcoWatch.

Of course, making your own facial scrubs and exfoliating masks from edible ingredients is the best way to ensure that your beauty regimen doesn’t encourage water pollution. But if you’re not into DIY, there are other ways to avoid plastic-filled cosmetics. Two Netherlands-based organizations, the North Sea Foundation and the Plastic Soup Foundation, teamed up to create a smartphone app that can help consumers steer clear of products that contain these toxic plastic beads.

The app, called “Warning: Plastics Inside!” can be downloaded at the Apple App Store, the Google Play Store, and Windows Phone Store.

Related on Ecosalon

Exclusive: Voyage Through The Atlantic Gyre

5 Mobile Apps For A Non-Toxic Lifestyle

Give Me Conscience or Give Me Death: Your Plastic Footprint

Image: pyxopotamus

The post Is Your Facial Scrub Causing Widespread Water Pollution? appeared first on EcoSalon.

A round-up of what we’re reading right now.

Lululemon Athletica founder Chip Wilson raises women’s hackles by blaming women’s bodies for the shortcomings of his company’s yoga pants. [Via Christian Science Monitor]

Nutrient-dense fruits and veggies aren’t only good for eating. Learn about nine foods that are powering your beauty products. [Via Well+GoodNYC]

Made from plants, this artificial egg can be used in everything from cakes to mayonnaise – without a chicken ever coming close to the production process. [Via Veg Friend]

Meet the scientists working on color-changing wallpaper. No seriously. [via Wired]

Collaborative consumption (bike-sharing, car-sharing, Airbnb, etc.) is becoming a big deal. Find out how it could change how our cities function. [Via Governing.com]

Image: Naturopathica

The post Link Love: Edible Beauty Products + Plant-Based Eggs?! appeared first on EcoSalon.