It can be a bit tricky as a vegan finding cosmetics that are both natural and animal-free. There are brands available but some of them still contain potentially endocrine disrupting parabens, benzophenones, butylated hydroxyanisole and cinnamates, which can cause allergic reactions, and other questionable chemicals.
Mineral cosmetics are made from crushed mineral pigments and are free from harsh chemicals, parabens, preservatives and fragrances.
I am not saying they are perfect because ingredients commonly included such as mica can cause allergies and respiratory irritation, as well as persisting and bioaccumulating in individuals and the environment, but at least they do not contain a cocktail of chemicals. In fact, mineral cosmetics are the only cosmetics recommended for use after cosmetic surgery, chemical peels or laser re-surfacing.
One new brand that is offering 100% vegan certified and cruelty-free mineral based cosmetics, is the Australian brand, Inika, formed by Miranda Bond and Jenni Williams. As the power duo behind the hugely successful Thriving Healthy Women Network, they have years of experience in women’s health and well-being, specialising in areas of women’s hormones, nutrition and toxic free living. After being bombarded with requests for information about natural cosmetics and struggling to find genuinely natural brands, they set about establishing their own natural cosmetic line.
Inika’s products contain as few ingredients as possible, effortlessly disguise skin conditions, are easy to apply and just a small amount is needed for great coverage. Far from being dull, they offer a wide range of colours, ranging from more natural hues to dazzling purples and iridescent greens.
Inika are dedicated to leaving small rather than mammoth imprints on the planet and to that effect all cardboard used in Inika packaging is recycled, along with any paper stock used for promotional purposes. They also invest money into carbon offsetting and renewable energy research.
My favourite products are: the eternal marine eyeshadow in a sparkly blue hue, the mineral foundation, the mineral lipstick in Leroy Brown and the mineral bronzer in Sunkissed.
Inika products are sold throughout Australia and are available for purchase anywhere in the world from www.inikacosmetics.co.uk.
From: BEST OF 2008: Eco-friendy and sustainable shoes