Kayla Fioravanti

True Mineral Makeup is the best choice for sensitive skin. The ingredient list should include: mica titanium dioxide zinc oxide iron oxides ...and very little else. Avoid all "mineral makeup" that uses: bismuth oxychloride talc magnesium stearate boron nitride Less is more when it comes to mineral makeup ingredient lists.

Do your research when it comes to hot trends. There are great and wonderful things you can do from the inside out to improve your skin and appearance. But don't jump on and off every bandwagon that passes through. The key to external beauty is whole body health. The internal steps that will make your skin radiate are: Drink plenty of water Eat whole foods Take whole food supplements (i.e. Garden of Life) Avoid sugar, caffeine and excessive drinking Don't smoke Get plenty of exercise Don't try every fast or cleanse on the market when they are hot. There are times in your life when you do need to do a juice fast or internal cleanse, but don't try it just to do it. If you have a build-up of toxins in your body from a period of heavy medication, or if you have had bad food habits and are making a change, a well balanced cleanse might be useful. But trying one cleanse after another will do more harm than benefit. A healthy diet, exercise, plenty of water and clean living will do more to improve your health than any fad. Externally, taking aromatherapy-based salt baths is a gentle method of detoxification that will not overload your system.

Look for brands that are organically preserved using Rooibos, Green Tea, White Tea or Pomegranate Extract. Look for brands that avoid unnecessary chemicals and are toxin-free. If you are looking online at products, make sure that they have a glossary and know their ingredients. Use brands that are affiliated with organizations that are dedicated to organic, natural and full disclosure. For instance, the Organic Trade Association, Green Products Alliance and American Botanical Council. See if they have signed the Truth in Labelling Pledge with the Natural Ingredients Resource Center or the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics Pledge. Also stick with brands that use pure, unadulterated essential oils to scent their products.

There is a strong movement toward vegan certified, green, and cruelty-free cosmetics. Consumers and buyers are both seeking cosmetics that do no harm to the environment or animals. The cosmetic industry has a large number of materials that are available from vegetable sources, lab created or animal sourced. Becoming a vegan certified product line takes a great deal of research for manufactures but insures that consumers are able to buy products that match their personal beliefs.