Shop
Joyous Health Recipes Food
Joyous Health Wellbeing Well-Being
Joyous Health Beauty Beauty
Joyous Health Family Family
Podcast
Previous Episodes 
ABOUT
Contact
RESOURCES
Podcast
ABOUT
Contact
RESOURCES

Simple Steps to Detox Your Makeup Bag

It’s time, friends. Open up those makeup bags, dump out the contents, and let’s get started. If you’ve been putting off detoxing your makeup for fear it wil
Nov 14, 2014 | Seanna Cohen

It’s time, friends. Open up those makeup bags, dump out the contents, and let’s get started. If you’ve been putting off detoxing your makeup for fear it will be too difficult, I’ve got your back.

Here are 3 simple steps that will have you wearing clean, green makeup in no time.

1. Take Stock

The current value of the global cosmetic industry is estimated to be $250 billion and I don’t know about you, but I’ve certainly contributed more than my fair share of hard earned pennies buying the ‘latest’ and ‘greatest’ cosmetic products.

So to start, the first and most important step to greening your beauty routine is to take inventory of the products you use and to assess their ingredients. As tedious as it may seem, it’s important to familiarize yourself with ingredients and to find helpful tools to guide you along the way. Check out resources like the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep cosmetic database for ratings on specific products, and get to know the David Suzuki cosmetic chemicals “Dirty Dozen”—read Joy’s post about it here.

2. Prioritize

I’m not a fan of extremes and so when it comes to a makeup detox I never recommend trying to make it happen overnight. First, it can be extremely wasteful and environmentally unfriendly. Second, it can be very costly! And third, just like extreme diets, it often doesn’t work.

Just a note: I am focusing specifically on makeup bag contents here but the same process can be applied to body and hair care products.

Once you have taken stock of all your makeup, have a good idea of what ingredients they contain and their ratings based on the Skin Deep database, I recommend that you sort the products into three piles:

  1. Keep: Hang on to all products that are rated 2 and below (but 0 is best!).
  2. Keep for now: These are your transition products. They may contain some toxic ingredients, but you aren’t quite ready to part with them until they are all used up.
  3. Ditch: Toss any products that are due to expire, have high ratings on the Skin Deep database (7-10), and anything that is used on the mouth. If the statistic is true that the average woman consumes 4 lbs of lipstick in her lifetime, then that means she is also consuming countless toxic chemicals. Talk about a dirty mouth!

Before ditching anything, of course, check your city’s household hazardous waste classification and dispose responsibly.

3. Replace

This is the fun part! You may even find that some products don’t need to be replaced because they’d only found their way into your makeup bag because of gimmicky advertising.

Watch out for green-washing, do your research, and get to know local retailers. Since not all natural products are available in ‘big box stores,’ there is a strong focus on local shops and producers. Shopping local is a fantastic way to educate yourself about new products and to avoid getting duped by clever marketing.

Need recommendations? Ask me! Comment below! I am always trying a new product (or two or three) at any given time and can definitely offer advice about products and brands.
And when possible, make it yourself! Some things are better left to the professionals, but try your hand at DIY beauty recipes, you’ll be surprised at what you can do!

28 Comments
Beth johnson   •   November 16, 2014

Hey! Great article:) all my skin care and makeup are all natural and I love them except my eyeliner! I have yet to find a good all natural eyeliner so if anyone can recommend one it would be much appreciated! www.westingwellness.com

Reply
Seanna Cohen   •   November 16, 2014

Whittney   •   November 16, 2014

I've been on the hunt for a great mascara (thickening, and stay-all-day) if you have any recommendations. Thanks!

Reply
Seanna Cohen   •   November 16, 2014
CK   •   November 17, 2014

Bryn   •   November 16, 2014

I would like a recommendation for an eye pencil as well, one that doesn't smudge/run or whittle away to nothing when sharpened. Also a mascara that gives volume but doesn't flake. Josie Maran GOGO Mascara was the best but they've discontinued it for a new flakey version. Argh!

Reply
Seanna Cohen   •   November 16, 2014
CK   •   November 17, 2014

Mandy   •   November 17, 2014

Hi, I've been trying to switch to a good natural foundation and concealer that matches my skin tone and looks natural but I've been having a hard time finding the right product. What do you think about Sappho foundations and concealers? I'd appreciate any recommendations and suggestions. Eventually I am hoping to kick the habit of wearing foundation. Thank you.

Reply
Seanna Cohen   •   November 18, 2014

Candice   •   November 17, 2014

I've switched over all my hair care and body care products to natural/organic and am now working on my make-up and nail polish. I LOVE my NARS multiple stick in Orgasm that I use as a cream blush and highlighter. Do you know of any comparable products? I haven't been able to find anything even close :-(

Reply
Seanna Cohen   •   November 18, 2014

Karen Filipcic   •   November 26, 2014

Hi Seanna! I have been a total beauty product junkie since I was a teenager and since then I have accumulated a massive stash of chemical-laden makeup, body lotions and nail polishes. Now after cleaning up my lifestyle a few years ago diet-wise I have finally felt the need to purge all of it on the outside and transition to organic brands only. Are there any places we can donate (some products are unused!) or do you just toss the product and recycle the packaging if possible. Hard to see so much money spent go down the drain! Also are there any natural black eyeliners that are waterproof or at least come in a no-sharpen necessary form that you can recommend? Love your blog as well by the way:)

Reply
Seanna Cohen   •   January 3, 2015

Karen   •   November 26, 2014

Hello! Do you have any recommendations for a good eye-lid primer? I use Bare Minerals and it works, but I'd like to use a more natural brand...thanks!

Reply

Diane   •   November 27, 2014

Hello Joy, I read your recent article in the Globe & Mail with great interest. I thank you for reminding us of the enemies in cosmetics. So, what products would you recommend? I normally use daily moisturizers and SPF 30 anti-aging sunscreen for face and neck. Any suggestions? I live in the Vancouver area. Best regards.

Reply
Kate McDonald Walker   •   November 27, 2014
Jenessa   •   December 3, 2014

Rosemary Schuster   •   December 15, 2014

Joy, what is your favourite concealer/foundation/powder? I am looking for a natural one that doesn't clog pores but will even out my skin tone. Thank-you.

Reply
Joy McCarthy   •   December 15, 2014

Kelly Harper   •   May 11, 2015

Hello Joy! In the last couple of years I've been trying my best to find the right skin care products without jumping from brand to brand and damaging my skin. I'm in my early 30's and have some acne, not a lot. Combination skin and some acne damage. I've used a aesthetician recommended brand Eminence (skin care and mineral foundation) and enjoyed the product. But have wanted a less expensive equivalent if it was even out there! I've recently in the last several months began using the brand Simple, that I have been able to purchase from my local Shoppers and online at Well.ca. I am just wanting your thoughts on these brands and a perhaps some simple direction on an uncomplicated approach to skin cleansing and moisturizing for me. Also, are all mineral foundations created similarly? Kind Regards, Kelly Harper

Reply
Kate McDonald Walker   •   May 11, 2015

jenn   •   August 27, 2015

Hi! I'm late to the conversation, but what about blush and lipstick?? I have tried several natural lipsticks that taste . . . kind of like crayons. Any suggestions?

Reply
Kate McDonald Walker   •   August 27, 2015

Janet   •   December 28, 2017

Hi Joy|: Did you decide on a eyelash makeup organic product. |I'd be interest with what you came up with. I,m looking for local and blue color as well. Thanks for any recommendations!

Reply
Rachel Molenda   •   December 29, 2017

ELENA BIDOCHKA   •   April 11, 2018

What is your opinion about Nude By Nature products?

Reply
Rachel Molenda   •   April 12, 2018

Post Comment

Welcome to thoughtful, organic beauty

Hello Joyous is an organic, plant-based, sustainable beauty brand here to bring more joy to your day.