Don't Kiss Me With That Mouth, Please

So I know I've burst your bubble when it comes to your favorite shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant and sunscreen...you had to know this was coming. Conventional makeup is full of additives, artificial dyes, synthetic preservatives and harmful chemicals. Yes, that's right, the stuff we ladies smear all over our faces every day (and sometimes don't wash off at night). So let's start with what a lot of women won't even leave the house without: Lipstick.

I only vaguely remember the scandal back in 2007 about lead levels in lipstick, so when I started researching this post that's basically where I started. The popular myth-dispelling website Snopes concluded that the rumor about dangerous levels of lead in lipstick (say that five times fast) was "mostly false," however. Okay. Wait, what? Mostly false?

It turns out that lead IS regulated in cosmetics, by the FDA, which again sounds comforting. For a split second. But, why would the government have to regulate lead if it wasn't an issue in my lipstick?

The bottom line is, there is lead in lipstick. And there are lots of other nasty chemicals in that Cherry Red and Plum Magic too, like D4 and D5 siloxanes, which can cause uterine cancer and reproductive issues (lucky for us, conditions perfectly primed to affect the lady parts not on our faces). And even if it is just another rumor that the average woman indirectly ingests between 3 and 10 pounds of lipstick during a lifetime just by applying, eating, drinking and reapplying, I still don't want to paint chemicals on my lips, just like I choose not to do it any more on my head, under my arms or in my mouth.

The following are natural lipsticks that I'm hoping to try and review in the future:

• EccoBella FlowerColor lipstick, which is petroleum-free, FD&C dye free and fragrance free, for example (I have my eye on the Latte and Cafe au lait shades)
• Naturally Safe Organic Rosehip Lipstick, a vegan option with mineral coloring only
• Zuzu Luxe Lipstick, also free of beeswax (SO many yummy colors!)

I will explore lip balms and glosses in upcoming posts as I'm really more of a balm girl if anything, but this is a good start. Even if you don't "need" anything right now, treat yourself to something bright and springy as long as it's made with safe, healthy ingredients. Celebrate this amazing weather we're having right now (at least in Chicago!) by stepping out in a shade you can be proud of and start a conversation around. By spring cleaning your house AND your makeup bag, you're one step closer to attaining optimal health.

Next up: They Eat What We Feed Them — Something to Remember During the Next Supermarket Meltdown