In the last couple of years Johnson & Johnson, one of the biggest providers of beauty products in the world, has been mired in controversy over its talc-containing products especially baby powder. Several users of their products have claimed the company did not warn them of the cancer risk associated with talc.
While researchers have yet to find a definitive link between talc and cancer, this issue, among others in recent times, has raised concerns about the safety of most makeup products. Many people don’t think much about the ingredients in the eyeliner, lipstick or foundation they use. As long as it works its good enough, so goes the common perception.
The Importance of Quality Natural Makeup Products
Finding that natural makeup look is not just about enhancing your appearance. Remember that these products are interacting directly with your skin and have various effects on it, both good and bad.
A good product will not only make your skin look better, it also comes with benefits that go below the surface. They moisturize, they nourish and they protect. A bad low quality product will damage your skin and in some cases, cause serious health problems.
So the next time you are out shopping for a new blush or mascara, focus on more than just the color, brand or price tag. Look at the ingredients, they will tell you a lot about the quality of that product. Here’s why it pays off to spend the extra time and sometimes money buying quality natural makeup.
1. They improve your appearance
The whole purpose of makeup is to improve physical appearance. Foundation evens out your skin tone, a concealer hides those dark circles under your eyes, blush makes your face look lively and so on. But there are too many horrible makeup products that don’t come close to doing what they promise on the label.
That’s why it’s worth it to spend more money on quality products. Instead of over-the-top gimmicks, they actually improve your appearance. Whether you need to reduce the oily look of your skin, make your lips a bit more vibrant or add highlight your eyes, only the best products will do.
Certain makeup products may look good immediately when you apply them in the morning but they barely last an hour outside the house. A quality product is designed to last for long without forcing you to keep reapplying every now and then.
You’ll even feel more confident when you use the right stuff. Imagine talking with the boss or clients but the whole time you are feeling self-conscious about your runny mascara or blotchy foundation.
2. Less risk of skin reactions
You most likely have had a skin reaction to a certain product at one time or another. Many people have had similar experiences ranging from a simple rash or itch to a full blown allergic reaction with serious symptoms.
It’s not always the case that the reaction is caused by a low quality product. Even organic makeup could cause a reaction if you are allergic to a certain component in it.
But using low quality makeup greatly increases the risk of skin reactions and even more so if you have sensitive skin or skin problems like acne.
This is because they are often full of chemicals that can cause issues even if you have non-sensitive skin. This is why organic cosmetics are often the best products for you.
3. They are formulated for specific skin types and situations
One thing you will notice about premium skin care and makeup products is that they are formulated for specific uses and skin types. For example you can get foundation specifically for cold weather, mascara for when it’s hot, lipstick for dark skin, eyeliners for dry skin and so on.
In contrast to cheap do-it-all products, which end up doing mostly nothing, these brands are formulated for niche users and specific situations. They perform better and offer more benefits than general products.
4. They come with added benefits
A serum with anti-aging ingredients, a foundation that moisturizes, lipstick with UV protection: all these products do much more than their primary job description and in the process offer benefits that go beyond physical appearance.
High quality makeup often comes with added benefits to nourish and protect your skin. They contain ingredients that moisturize, reduce wrinkles, provide antibacterial protection, prevent skin damage and more.
The Dangers of Using Inferior Makeup
You may be thinking that there is no problem with using lower quality products as long as they work well. But these products can actually be a health hazard. Most people don’t realize it because some of these dangers take time to manifest.
Take the case of parabens, a group of preservative ingredients used widely in cosmetic products. They have been associated with long term risk of breast cancer. Or consider synthetic colors, which researchers say may be carcinogenic and could cause ADHD in kids. The same with artificial fragrances; they are formulated with chemicals that put your health at risk.
Inferior makeup is not just bad because it does not make your face look as good but also because it can ruin your health. If you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, you could also put your baby at risk.
As I mentioned in the beginning, these products are interacting directly with your skin and entering your body. So don’t take them lightly. Applying dangerous chemicals on your skin is just as bad as ingesting or inhaling them.
Makeup Industry Trends
To provide consumers with healthier and safer makeup options, companies have introduced organic makeup products. They often consist of 100% or almost 100% natural products with no hazardous preservatives or chemicals like parabens and phthalates.
I especially recommend organic makeup products if you have sensitive skin or have existing skin problems. They are also ideal if you are pregnant or breastfeeding (but still check the label for warnings).
We have also seen new mineral-based makeup products hit the market. These are formulated from minerals and are marketed as having more benefits and being safer for the skin.
Whichever type of makeup or skincare product you choose the most important thing is to make sure that the ingredients are safe. After all, your health is more important than whatever temporary effect makeup gives you.