An Organic Makeover

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Eyes

Your eyes are one of your most sensitive body parts, so eye cosmetics, full of potentially irritating substances like talc, can be especially problematic. Some mascaras, especially lash-building ones, have been found to contain the mercury-based preservative thimerasol, which may cause allergic reactions and is a known neurotoxin. Petroleum-based ingredients, such as nylon and polyester, are also common in lash-building mascaras as they promote thickness and lengthening, but they have also been found to trigger contact dermatitis.

Dr. Hauschka Mascara Intermezzo ($23.50; www.drhauschka.com, 800-247-9907); Suncoat Natural Mascara ($15; www.suncoatproducts.com, 519-780-0149); Miessence Pure Black Mascara ($20.50; bodysoul.mionegroup.com); Gabriel Color Eyeshadow ($10.30; www.gabrielcosmeticsinc.com, 800-497-6419); Nvey Eco eye shadow ($24; econveybeauty.com)

Applicators

Cosmetic brushes are made with either real animal hair or synthetic materials, the most common of which is a trademarked polyester fiber called Taklon. Unfortunately, neither comes without a cost. In addition to animal humanity and welfare issues, animal fibers undergo chemical processing for sterilization, while synthetics are derived from petroleum, a non-renewable resource. Organic cotton pads, cotton balls and swabs, when suitable, are a more eco-friendly choice. Otherwise, choose products with other eco attributes, such as animal cruelty certifications (Leaping Bunny) and recycled content.

Grassroots Organic Cottonballs and Rounds ($2.95 and $3.49; www.grassrootsnaturalgoods.com); Organic Essentials Cotton swabs ($5.49; www.drugstore.com); Aveda Face Powder Brush uses Taklon fiber and a handle containing 30 percent renewable flax fibers and 63 percent post-consumer-recycled polypropylene ($32.50; www.aveda.com); Dr.Hauschka Rouge Powder Brush uses humanely gathered goat hair ($38.95; www.drhauschka.com, 800-247-9907); Leaping Bunny-certified Earth's Beauty Kabuki and Blush brushes are also made with humanely gathered goat hair ($14.95; www.earthsbeauty.com, 888-586-9719)

Makeup Bags

Finally, makeup bags made with polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, can leach hormone-disrupting phthalates and brain-damaging lead onto your brushes and products within. These stylish cosmetic cases can house all your cosmetics and save the earth, too:

AnandaK's Organic Cotton Makeup Bag ($21.95; www.organicselections.com); Global Girlfriend's Lace Cosmetic Bag made by a women's cooperative in India ($12; www.globalgirlfriend.com); Her Design's "Ever Green" organic cotton cosmetic bag ($19; www.her-design.com)

Resources

For more brands of safer cosmetics, see the Lip and Eye Makeup Product Report

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