As I continue to clean up my act and my makeup too, here are some tips and books and fun things to ponder and play with.  (And, as we approach the holidays, any of these products mentioned would be great stocking stuffers for the sweet women in your life).

This is an interesting video about all the toxic stuff we slather on our faces and bodies:

These are some good books on the topic of safe cosmetics:

No More Dirty Looks by Siobhan O’Connor and Alexandra Spunt — These two lovely women explore the cosmetic industry.  Lots of good information and tips.

Not Just Another Pretty Face by Stacy Malkan — Information about specific toxic ingredients, and a look at the cosmetic and beauty industry as a whole.  Informative tidbits and more about specific companies.  Interesting fact:  Weleda is the largest consumer of Organic Rose Oil.  An interesting piece on the history of Dr. Bronner’s Soap — even though it purported to be all natural (and currently is), that wasn’t always the case.

The Truth About Beauty By Kat James (a long time favorite) — lots of ideas for living in a healthy and holistic way.

Some of my favorite thing right now as far as makeup and skincare goes — this is what is on my top shelf right now:

for makeup – RMS Beauty (so pretty!), Dr. Hauschka (classic natural makeup and skincare), Kjaer Weis (elegant compacts).

for skin – Dr. Alkaitis  — really nice, and you can eat it too (!);

for deodorant:  I am still waiting for Italian Customs to release my Soapwalla: it’s been months and many pages to fill out, and photocopies of my passport to send in,  and essays describing why I need the product to attach to the forms…Bureaucracy becomes hilarious and a little embarrassing in this instance.  I will let you know how it is when it arrives.  Meanwhile, a natural crystal thingie, and Lavera vanilla and coconut spray are working really well!

for shampoo — Lavera,   Rahua.

for perfume:  Anything from Aftelier, Love Coconut from Honore De Pres, and several by AbdesSalamAttar, a wonderful natural perfumier based in Italy.

In the shower, I use coconut oil (from the health food store, cold pressed and organic) for shaving and moisturizing.  I’m really digging coconut oil right now.  I use argan or coconut oil for removing makeup (or whatever kind of oil I have around), as well as Dr. Hauschka makeup cleanser and cleansing milk.

Whole Foods, Spirit Beauty Lounge, Saffron Rouge  carry many of these projects.  In Europe, Being Content, Slow Fashion House, Amazingy.

What are your favorite natural products?