Tuesday, April 25, 2023
EWG to Announce the 2023 Guide to Safer Sunscreens
Friday, July 9, 2021
Think Deodorant and Thinksport Sunscreen Picks for the Summer
According to Think,
Non-toxic deodorant infused with softening Coconut Oil and refreshing Pineapple helps to effectively neutralize odor and absorb wetness for all day protection.
Scented with fresh, exotic vibrant, tropical notes, this unisex deodorant is free of biologically harmful chemicals, phthalates, parabens and aluminum.
Features & Benefits:
- Formulation is based on our scientific expertise in creating safer products.
- Free of biologically harmful chemicals, no phthalates, parabens or aluminum
- All ingredients rated either a "0" or a "1" by EWG's Skin Deep database
- Each ingredient provides the EWG safety rating.
- Great size for travel on your next adventure or to your next workout
- Applies and absorbs easily
- Produced in the USA
- No animal testing (Leaping Bunny member), Only tested on humans
Ingredients: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Zea Mays (Corn Starch)*, Euphorbia Cerifera, (Candelilla) Wax, Magnesium Hydroxide, Cocos Nucifera, (Coconut) Oil*, Lauryl Laurate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Jojoba Esters, Triethyl Citrate, Tocopherol, Gamma-Nonalactone, Allyl Heptanoate, Allyl Caproate, Citric Acid *Certified Organic Ingredient(s)
Thinksport Safe Sunscreen SPF 50 ($14.49 for 3 oz. from Thinksport): This cruelty-free mineral sunscreen, for the face and body, was created for athletes and active outdoor activities. It is fast absorbing, non-greasy and leaves behind no greasy or white residue. This is great for going to the beach, exercising outdoors and playing at the pool. There is a very light and sweet aroma that disappears quickly.
According to Thinksport,
Introducing our award-winning, EWG Top Rated ThinkSport Safe Sunscreen created for athletes, outdoor enthusiasts and environmentally conscious consumers.
This dermatologist tested natural, mineral based sunscreen is highly effective for all skin types, is non-toxic and works to protect the skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays without the use of harmful chemicals found in other brands.
It's organic, BPA free, Non-Aerosol & Biodegradable, Reef Safe, Non-Toxic, Dermatologist tested.
Features & Benefits of ThinkSport Sunscreen:
- SPF50 Broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection
- Water resistance (80 minutes)
- Non-aerosol formulation
- Applies and absorbs easily. Non-oily feel.
- For face and body
- Made in the USA
- Top Rated on EWG's Skin Deep with a "1" rating since 2010
- Daily use sunscreen
- Protects immediately upon application
- Free of biologically harmful chemicals. No PABA, parabens, phthalates, BPA, oxybenzone, avobenzone, petroleum, gluten, dairy, or toxic chemicals. No animal by-products or testing.
- No animal by-products or testing
Ingredients: Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide 20% (Non-nano) Inactive Ingredients: Purified Water (0), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (0), Capric Caprylic Triglycerides(0), Sorbitan Stearate (Coconut Based) (1), Pine Wood Resin (0), Vegetable Glycerin (0), Cetyl Dimethicone (0), Hydrogenated Castor Oil (0), Magnesium Sulfate (Epsom Salt) (0), Sunflower Oil, Jojoba Oil (0), Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) (0), Tocopherols (Vitamin E) (1), Olive Oil (0), Raspberry Seed Oil (0), Cranberry Seed Oil (0), Hyaluronic Acid (Made From Vegetable) (0), Glucose & Glucose Oxidase And Lactoperoxidase (0), Currant (0), Citrus Paradisi (0).
Thinksport Sunscreen Stick SPF 30+ ($8.99 for oz. from Thinksport): This is a wonderful broad-spectrum non-nano mineral sunscreen that is perfect for your beach bag. It is water-resistant for 80 minutes, and it now happily lives in my husband surf bag.According to Think,
Thinksport was the first Sunscreen to pass Whole Foods Premium Care Requirements. Free of biologically harmful chemicals. No Avobenzone, Oxybenzone, or UV Chemical absorbers.
We do not test on animals. Ever. Period. And we will not work with any entity that does. Period. We fired our website host GoDaddy.com due to the CEO going Elephant hunting.
Features:
- SPF 30 (non-nano zinc oxide)
- Broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection (Highest level defined by proposed FDA 2012 Monograph)
- Highest level of water resistance (80 minutes) (Highest level defined by proposed FDA 2012 Monograph)
- Mineral-based - Zinc Oxide 20%
- Non-aerosol formulation (High concern of both ineffectiveness and particulates being inhaled)
- Paraben, phthalates, PABA and 1,4 dioxane free
- Applies and absorbs easily. Non-oily feel.
- Sunscreen produced in the USA
- Easy-to-apply stick. Oval design for easy carrying in your front pocket
- A member of the Safe Cosmetics Campaign Compact
- Foundering member Sun Safety Coalition
- No animal testing (Leaping Bunny member)
Tips for Application: Thinkbaby and Thinksport formula applies easily and absorbs quickly. Be sure to apply all areas that will be exposed to sunlight, including behind the ears, neck, hands, feet, and scalp. Reapply every two hours or more as needed. While the sunscreen applies very easily, we recommend not spreading it too thin. Otherwise, you will decrease the effectiveness of the sunscreen. Keep in mind that physical sunscreens work by reflecting sunlight.
Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide 20% (Non-nano). Inactive Ingredients: Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil(1) Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil (1) Cera Alba (Beeswax) (1) Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax(1) Ricinus Communis (Castor) Oil (1) Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax(1) Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter (1) Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter (1) Tocopherol (1) Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe) Leaf Juice (1)
Overall Assessment: Perfect picks for summer!
Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own (Affiliate Links). Copyright © 2021 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.
Friday, June 25, 2021
C'est Moi Flushed Tinted Lip & Cheek Balm Review and Swatches
$14.69 for 0.26 oz. from C'est Moi and Target (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All vies expressed are categorically my own. Copyright © 2021 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.
Thursday, June 24, 2021
C'est Moi Visionary Metallic Makeup Crayon Set & C'est Moi Lid Love Cream Eyeshadows
If you are looking for some fun summer eyeshadows and crayons, that also happen to be cruelty-free and affordable, then C'est Moi has some great choices for you this season!
C'est Moi Vidsionary Metallic Makeup Crayon Set ($24.49 for 4 from Target): These super creamy crayons can be used as shadows or liners and they are very blendable, but once they set I have found them budge-proof.
According to C'est Moi,
Channel your inner visionary with these celestial shades that provide the perfect metallic finish. Easy to blend while brightening the eyes and face with electrifying cosmic color. Create a statement eye with a single swipe, or a celestial design anywhere on your face to channel your inner visionary. These 4 metallic, creamy and blendable shades double as a both an eyeliner and an eyeshadow.
Features:
- Clean Ingredients • Dermatologist Tested • No Animal Testing • Hypoallergenic • EWG Verified
- Dermatologist Tested, Hypoallergenic, Fragrance-Free, No Animal Testing.
- NO - Talc, Parabens, Phthalates, Sulfates, Mineral oil, Silicones, Coal Tar Dyes or Propylene Glycol.
Directions: Use these versatile crayons on your face and eyes as desired. Not for use on lips. For easy removal, use Gentle Makeup Remover Cleansing Wipes.
Ingredients: Isododecane, Mica, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Synthetic Wax, Hydrogenated Polydicyclopentadiene, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Hydrogenated Polydecene, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Polybutene, Silica, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite*†, Nylon-12, Glyceryl Caprylate, Polyethylene, Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate, Synthetic Beeswax, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Cire de carnauba, Tin Oxide*†. May Contain/Peut contenir (+/-): Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499). †present in/présents dans Silver Linings *present in/présents dans StarbrightC'est Moi Lid Love Cream Eyeshadows ($14.49 for 0,24 oz. each from Target): These wonderfully pigmented cream eyeshadows are buildable and comfortable to wear. The vibrant colors and beautiful shimmer are perfect for the season.Tuesday, November 10, 2020
Inna Organic Frankincense Boosting Revitalizing Toner
Inna Organic, which is the only brand from Taiwan that is both EWG-verified and COSMOS certified-organic, offers an array of wonderful cruelty-free skincare products that are a delight for the skin and the senses. My most recent discovery, Inna Organic Frankincense Boosting Revitalizing Toner, is an alcohol-free toner that calms down irritated skin, helps prevent break-outs (including maskne), and helps to heal breakouts. The anti-inflammatory properties of Frankincense Hydrosol detoxifies, calms and tones the skin, while its warm woodsy aroma delights the senses and relaxes the spirit.
According to Inna Organic,
A clean beauty find from Taiwan, Inna Organic's Frankincense Boosting Revitalizing Toner is an organic & vegan toner with 99.65% natural ingredients that can help prevent maskne & calm the skin irritations that occur when wearing face masks. Its hero ingredient, Frankincense Hydrosol, is a beautiful skin-healer with anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, and calming properties in addition to its ability to tone and improve skin texture.
Alcohol and artificial fragrance free, this organic toner is the perfect product to help prevent mask acne (maskne) and calm the skin irritations that occur when wearing face masks. With various types of fabrics rubbing against the face, this friction can cause skin to become red, inflamed and irritated. Enter Inna Organic’s Frankincense Boosting Revitalizing Toner. Its hero ingredient, Frankincense Hydrosol, is a beautiful skin-healer with anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, and calming properties in addition to its ability to tone and improve skin texture.
The Benefits of Frankincense Hydrosol for Maskne:
• Good for acne prone skin - Acne is always inflamed skin and with Frankincense’s anti- inflammatory properties, Frankincense Hydrosol soothes the skin and relieves inflammation.
• Help reduce skin irritation - Frankincense Hydrosol has detoxifying and calming properties which help reduce skin irritation and prevent itching.
• Bringing extra benefits to the skin, this toner even removes excel oil, helps tightens pores, and restores skin’s PH level. The clean beauty formula’s organic blend of Frankincense Essential Hydrosol and powerful botanical extracts also helps combat visible signs of aging. Each mist will awaken and cool your skin, leaving your face feeling soothed and softened, never tight or dry.
• What sets this toner apart is the formula’s variety of natural, safe, and effective ingredients with tiny molecules. One of these crucial leading ingredients is Betaine, a natural water-balancing factor extracted from beetroot. With its isotonic characteristics, it delivers triple hydrating effects, including replenishing water, looking in moisture, and balancing the skin. As a result, it effectively awakens your skin, layering a better foundation for subsequent skincare steps.
Directions: Hold toner 7-8” from face and mist evenly onto freshly cleansed skin. Tap gently with fingertips until formula is fully absorbed. It can also be misted throughout the day while wearing face masks to awaken and cool the skin.
Select Ingredients and Their Attributes:
● Frankincense Essential Hydrosol is steam-distilled from eco-sourced Frankincense, which has been prized for centuries as a potent beauty treatment — Cleopatra is said to have included it in her regimen. Harvested from the Boswellia tree, this precious ingredient is legendary for its rejuvenating, tightening and smoothing properties. It is good for acne prone skin and heals wounds, scars, cuts and bruises as well.
• To help preserve the Boswellia population, Inna Organic does not tap out these endangered trees for Frankincense. Instead, the brand eco-sources it from a unique species in Somalia. Resin naturally flows from its bark, so harvesting it doesn’t harm the growth of the tree. Since this species isn’t planted on agricultural land, there is also far less impact on the environment. This commitment to ethical sourcing and protecting the environment supports their mantra “Glow from within: Clean Beauty. Clean Conscience.”
● Betaine, a sugar beet extract, helps skin capture and effectively lock-in moisture.
● Olive Leaf Extract as been used for generations as a skin treatment in the Middle East and is known to calm irritation and promote healing.
● Mediterranean Cyprus Leaf Water provides soothing, balancing aromatic properties.
Ingredients: Demineralized Water, Cupressus sempervirens Leaf Water*, Boswellia carterii distillate*, Betaine, Glycerin, Propanediol, Sodium Levulinate, Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract, Sodium Anisate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder*, Citric Acid. (*Ingredients from organic farming.),
100% vegan, cruelty-free and gluten-free. Formulated without parabens, phthalates, silicones, sulfates (SLS/SLES) and artificial fragrances.
$37.29 for 5 oz. from the Inna Organic Amazon Store (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own. Copyright © 2020 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.
Wednesday, September 23, 2020
INNA ORGANIC Frankincense Revitalizing Face Lotion
Tuesday, September 22, 2020
INNA ORGANIC Frankincense Revitalizing Face Oil
Directions: In the palm of your hand, mix 2-3 drops of oil (summer) or 3-5 drops (winter) with 3 pumps of Frankincense Revitalizing Lotion (or for very dry skin, use Frankincense Revitalizing Cream). Gently massage onto face with upward motions. For a deep moisturizing treatment, apply Frankincense Revitalizing Face Oil first than layer Frankincense Revitalizing Face & Eye Cream on top. You can also mix 1 drop of Frankincense Revitalizing Face Oil with your foundation for a super-smooth effect.
Ingredients: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil*, Octyldodecanol, Undecane, Dicaprylyl Ether, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Tridecane, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Boswellia Neglecta Resin Essential Oil*, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil*, Tocopherol, Pistacia Lentiscus (Mastic) Gum, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil*, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil*, Lavandula Angustifolia Essential Oil*, Fusanus Spicatus Wood Oil* (* Ingredients from organic farming)
Overall Assessment: This is a really lovely luxury face oil, and it is both effective and affordable.Friday, February 17, 2012
The FDA Finds Traces of Lead in 400 Shades of Lipstick
While the list is quite long the biggest offenders were L'Oréal and Maybelline. The culprits include shades by Covergirl, Revlon, Body Shop, L'Oréal, Clinique, Estée Lauder, Burt's Bees, Maybelline, Dior, Avon, M.A.C., NARS, Stargazer, Sonia Kashuk, Fashion Fair, Mary Kay, Prescriptives, Jafra, Rimmel London, BeneFit, Clarins, Elizabeth Arden, Almay, Colorganics, Lancôme, Origins, Victoria's Secret, Chanel, Iman Cosmetics, Bobbi Brown, Wet'n'Wild, & Shiseido.
A good resource for evaluating the safety of the ingredients in the makeup that we use is the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) Skin Deep Cosmetics Database.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Sunday Riley Cashmere SPF 30+ Advanced Sun Defense
The problem for me was finding a non-greasy physical, rather than chemical, sunscreen that didn't feel and/or look terrible. Chemical sunscreens absorb UV radiation, whereas physical sunscreens work by physically blocking it (click here to read more about the differences). The problem with chemical sunscreens is, well, the chemicals. Many contain known carcinogens and endocrine disruptors, and that is just too risky for me. I worry that we do not know the long-term effects that these chemicals will have on our skin, and our overall health. In fact, there is a tremendous amount of controversy surrounding their use (click here to read more about this issue). Chemical sunscreens, for the face in particular, have tended to be far more user friendly because they absorb more readily and can easily be incorporated into a beauty routine which includes the application of makeup, but at what cost. Additionally, many chemical sunscreens are not particularly photostable which means that they ultimately break down in sunlight. What this means is that their efficacy is short-lived, and once they break down you will not be protected against the damaging rays of the sun. In fact, once broken down the absorbed radiation disperses into the skin, along with all of the chemicals from the sunscreen causing you even greater damage. Physical sunscreens, on the other hand, have had a history of creating a gross streaky oily gloppy white-tinged mess on the face, and have tended not to play well with foundations, tinted moisturizers, and powders (in large part because it simply sits on top of the skin).
Somehow Sunday Riley has managed to create an outstanding physical sunscreen specifically formulated for the face that is very refined and works brilliantly, and it doesn't impede a great foundation finish either! In fact, once you apply it you don't even know that it's there! Cashmere SPF 30+ Advanced Sun Defense has been my go-to daily sunscreen for the last couple of years, and I am deeply grateful to have found it. I now no longer equivocate about applying a sunscreen to my face daily!
Cashmere SPF 30+ is a sheer 100% mineral sunscreen (which means that it is of the physical, rather than chemical variety). The texture is luxuriously smooth and silky, and therefore it doesn't feel anything like the thick and oily mineral sunscreens on the market.
Key Ingredients & their functionality:
1) Titanium Dioxide: This ingredient provides physical protection from UV rays- which literally bounce off of this ingredient. The specific Titanium Dioxide used in Cashmere 30+ is micronized- making it a sheer, rather than having the streaky white oily finish often associated with Titanium Dioxide.
2) Cashmere SPF 30+ is a water-based formula, rather than oil based. This brilliant attribute makes this the most user-friendly mineral sunscreen imaginable!
3) Wheatgrass: This powerhouse ingredient is rich in chlorophyll which has a detoxifying effect that helps to heal the skin and to aggressively protect it against pollution. Wheatgrass wakes up the skin by energizing it-- in the same way that a wheatgrass shot energizes your whole body.
4) Ginseng: Like Wheatgrass, Ginseng also wakes up and energizes the skin. Ginseng is an ingredient that has long been used for it's ability to tone and revitalize the skin, and is well known for its ability to invigorate. It is also used traditionally to support the immune system, and is thought to create an increased resistance to infections.
5) Cashmere Protein: This ingredient strengthens, invigorates, cushions, fortifies, and softens the skin.
6) Ellagic Acid (from pomegranates): Ellagic Acid is another powerhouse ingredient that helps prevent hyperpigmentation before the damage can occur.
7) While this protein rich sunscreen has a listed Sun Protection Factor of 30+ Sunday Riley says that it actually clocks in at about an SPF 53. If you want to further bolster its Sun Protection Factor mix it with Juno Oil (reviewed here).
Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide, Cashmere Protein, Wheatgrass, Stone Root, Ricegrass, Ellagic Acid+Pomegranate, Ginseng, Squalene, NV-5 Ageless Complex Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butylene Glycol, Sunflower Seed Oil, Cyclomethicone, Dimethicone, PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer, Stearic Acid, Meadowsol, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Xanthan Gum, Triethanolamine, Hyrolized Kertain, Phenoxyethanol, Methyl Paraben, Propyl Paraben, DMDM Hydantoin.
Overall assessment: I can't live without it! Hands down the BEST sunscreen that I have ever used. It is easy to use, and doesn't impede the use of finishing products. The only downside is that it is quite expensive, but it is well worth it to me!
$125.00 1.7 oz at Nordstrom, Sephora, Bloomingdale's, Beauty.com & Barneys New York (Affiliate links).





























