(Review & Giveaway) Makeup, Brushes & Ecotools for Earth Month 2011

Makeup is almost “second nature” to most of us. It’s the first thing we grab every morning as we head off to our jobs, our classes, or wherever. It makes our world a little brighter to put a fresh face forward.

Many of us have become aware of product testing and what’s actually in the products we are applying, and how they might be effecting our over all health and the environment. We’re reaching for greener choices, and reading labels, choosing products that are paraben, and petro-chemical free, as well as products that are cruelty-free (not tested on animals).

Earth Month is now upon us, and we wanted to showcase some companies that are truly contributing to the cause of helping the planet remain a beautiful place for all of us.

Aveda Light the Way Candle

Aveda: A brand that spa and salon professionals have known since 1978, Aveda incorporates the “Art and Science of Pure Flower and Plant Essences” into everything they do. All their products are developed with certified organic materials. Aveda even tries to incorporate products grown in indigenous communities and countries. Every year, Aveda gives back to these communities in the form of help for clean water, support for farmlands and growers. This year’s focus is once again on water. Both protecting water quality and conserving our resources. Find out more here.

You can help “Light the way” by purchasing a light the way candle. 100% natural soy candle infused with organic lavender and pure plant and flower extracts. What’s cool about this? The candle holders were once wine cooler bottles. $12.00 at Aveda Stores and online.
Aveda Uruku Color Gloss
Our natural beauty pick is Uruku Color Gloss. Every stroke colors lips with annatto pigment, derived from the seeds of the organically grown urukum shrub. Annatto oil from the urukum shrub adds moisture and keeps lips smooth. Infused with organic babassu—a Brazilian botanical oil—to help seal in moisture. 100% plant-and mineral- derived color. Flavored with organic peppermint, cinnamon and vanilla, this gloss is packaged in post-consumer recycled (PCR)/Forest Stewardship Council- Certified (FSC) fiber carton. Six earth-friendly shades Luna,Morena,Verbena,Berry,Peony,Tangerina . $16

Tarte Cosmetics Eyeliner
Tarte: With more than 200 products, Tarte is helping to reduce environmental waste with eco-friendly packaging, sustainable resources, and charitable partnerships as well as recycling initiatives. Proving that their beauty products are more than skin deep. All Tarte products are 100% free of parabens, petro-chemicals, phthtalates, sulfates and synthetic fragrances.

Our earth beauty pick is the Amazonian clay waterproof liner. Amazon clay is perfect for infusing deep rich color, and nourishing skin. Tarte adds a botanical waterproofing agent that is earth engineered from a blend of plant waxes to form a layer that protects against rain, sweat, tears in an airtight jar, for all day beauty. This cream blend can be smudged onto lids as an all over shadow or used as a high definition liner. Choose from five vibrant shades Bronze, Indigo, Plum, Black, Brown, each $22 online or at Sephora.

Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics Face Powder

Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics: Youngblood is the number one luxury mineral cosmetics line created by Pauline Youngblood, a former medical aesthetician. Their products are made of natural, finely ground minerals from the earth — without any of the common irritants (including chemicals, dyes and preservatives) found in traditional makeup. Many products contain a signature mineral blend of Malachite, Rhodolite, Hematite and Zincite to help protect cells and tissue. You can visit their website online to find out more. Our pick is the Mineral Radiance Creme Powder Foundation which is a long-wearing 2-in-1 cream to powder foundation that provides buildable, smooth coverage. This comes in eight shades in neutral, barely beige, honey,warm beige, tawnee, rose beige, toffee and coffee. $56

Ecotools by Alicia Silverstone
Ecotools by Alicia Silverstone: Just in time for Earth Month, the actress unveils a glamorous eco-friendly addition of brushes that is perfect for any makeup junkie. Two of the popular cosmetic cases from the original EcoTools by Alicia Silverstone are now luxuriously revamped with a floral design. We love both the Cosmetic Bag ($8.99) and Train Case ($14.99) that carry all your beauty accessories with great panache and style. Plus, the five-piece brush set with bag is our personal favorite because it has a Finishing Brush, Blush Brush, Angled Eye Shadow Brush, Lash & Brow Groomer and Brush Bag all in one chic case.

Tell us, are you into earth friendly products? Which are your favorites? Leave a comment below to win a chic bag filled with earth-friendly products to celebrate EARTH MONTH. Winner will be chosen on April 14th.

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