Lead isn’t just found in pencils anymore, but surprisingly makes its way into your favorite makeup products. In fact, we discovered that many of our favorite high-end makeup brands are major offenders of including lead in their products.

Lead primarily gets into lipsticks through FD&C and D&C dyes which give them their color. While the Food and Drug Administration’s monitoring of the small, “safe” amounts of lead is slightly reassuring, we thought it best to avoid these contaminants and opt for a more organic way to beautify. Luckily, so many cosmetic brands are coming out with organic makeup products that have all-natural ingredients.

Here are some of our organic options:

Tarte LipSurgence Natural Lip Tint
The less frightening alternative to lasting lip color: Tarte’s LipSurgence Natural Lip Tint is infused with peppermint to give you a sweet smelling smile with lasting, sheer lip color. Free of parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances and other not-so-natural ingredients.

Sephora | Lehigh Valley Mall | Whitehall | 610.266.3242 | sephora.com | $24

Nvey Eco Organic Mascara

Create smoldering eyes that are all natural with Nvey’s Eco Organic Mascara. Botanicals protect and fortify lashes, while the rich, naturally-driven pigment provides lasting, true black color.

Amazon.com | $23.99

Bare Escentuals Bare Minerals Customizable Get Started Kit

One of the most popular cosmetics line today, Bare Escentuals, is not only organic, but it really works! Diminish uneven skin tone and dark circles and add a radiant glow with their 7-piece Customizable Get-Started Kit. We love their choice of 20 skin shades, SPF 15 foundation and the three easy steps to a flawless face.

Sephora | Lehigh Valley Mall | Whitehall | 610.266.3242 | sephora.com | $49

How to Test for Lead in Your Lipstick

Swipe some of the lip color in question on your hand.
Use a 14-24 karat gold jewelry piece, like a ring, to scratch on the lipstick.
If the color changes to a shade of black, toss it immediately!

There has been quite a buzz about mineral makeup. What is it? Mineral makeup is a cosmetic that lists inorganic pigments (minerals) such zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, mica, and iron oxides as primary ingredients. These are pigments with natural color derived from the earth. How is it different from standard formulation cosmetics? From a makeup artist’s perspective, it is primarily differentiated by its more sheer nature. Also, since it is powder-based, there are less binders than standard makeup formulations typically have.

If you are a dancer or television personality, you would need creamy, dense formulations to withstand hot lights, flash photography and perspiration. Mineral formulations typically do not provide that kind of density. However, if you are a bride looking for a soft, natural look on your wedding day, mineral makeup may be the best choice. Its breezy light feel provides for dewy, natural, makeup.

As a makeup artist, I use both standard and mineral formulations. That way I can successfully meet the needs of all my different clients. The best thing you can do for yourself is read labels and understand your own skin. I recommend the old fashion “trial and error” process in discovering which cosmetic type is right for you. If it feels good and you are happy with the result, you have dialed into a good cosmetic prescription! However, if your skin becomes irritated, that is a sign that the cosmetic is not right for you. If you are still left frustrated, ask an experienced makeup artist for help. You will get the best advice from an artist that is paid to apply makeup regularly. The cosmetic industry is constantly changing as is your face and body chemistry. So be sure and embrace change and try new formulations to further your art of self-expression through cosmetics.