What Makes Cosmetics "Green"?

As they envision their makeup for their wedding day, many brides think about color, style, and application. While these are vital considerations, the cosmetics themselves-their ingredients, packaging, and origins-are equally important, if not more so, to creating a beautiful, glowing bride.

So what exactly does "green" mean in cosmetics? First and foremost, it means that the ingredients are eco-friendly. Here, then, are some common terms relating to ingredients used in green cosmetics to help you make smart, beautiful choices for your wedding day makeup, and beyond.

• Natural and organic ingredients: This means the ingredients are fruit, plant, or mineral-based in origin, or from animal by-products such as honey, beeswax, milk, etc 
• Cruelty-free ingredients: An indication that no animals were hurt during the creation and/or testing of the product. 
• Vegan Ingredients: These contain no animal products or by-products whatsoever. 
• Cleaner, less toxic ingredients: This designation indicates the use of Paraben-free preservative systems, plant oils instead of mineral oils, natural fragrances and/or dyes instead of synthetic ones, talc-free powders, etc. (Look for more on parabens and other potentially toxic ingredients in my next article.) 
• Fair Trade ingredients: The fair trade designation assures users that the product was sourced from ethical business practices; for example, the farmers supplying goods for the ingredients have been paid a fair price.
• Sustainable ingredients: This indicates that ingredients are not endangered, and are easily regenerated.

It's also important to consider the impact of the product's packaging. Here are some key terms and guidelines to help you choose more eco-friendly products.

• Recycled, recyclable and/or biodegradable packaging: This indicates that the packaging has been created from reused materials, certain types of plastics that can be reused/recycled, and/or materials that breakdown over time.
• Less packaging: Environmentally responsible packaging can also mean less packaging overall. Look for products that are shrink-wrapped as opposed to contained in a folding carton. You should also consider purchasing refillable compacts, which can be reused indefinitely, or buying your cosmetics in bulk.

Educating yourself on the types of ingredients that are in your cosmetics, and making choices based on the information, your personal values and your beauty needs will ensure that you look and feel your best on your wedding day.

Written By Alison Raffaele, Creator of Alison Raffaele Cosmetics
Images Courtesy of Alison Raffaele

In 2000 Alison launched her first brand, Skin Alison Raffaele. Her True Concealer became an instant success among both artists and consumers and solidified her position as a product development specialist. In February of 2008, she launched the evolution of her brand with the paraben free Alison Raffaele Cosmetics line. This launch represented the realization of her dream to produce healthful and environmentally friendly products that integrate naturally derived antiaging ingredients with high performance cosmetics.