Clean Mascara I'm Using
The cosmetics industry is highly unregulated. No police means chaos and that’s how these ingredients have made their way into your favorite tube of liquid magic.
5 Ingredients to Avoid
Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen used in mascara as a preservative. It’s almost never listed in the list of ingredients because it can be added directly into other ingredients like the ubiquitous “fragrance.” Formaldehyde can be released from other preservatives such as Bronopol and Quaternium-15. Formaldehyde is linked to allergic reactions as well as an increase in liver toxicity.
Parabens are also used as preservatives to prevent bacteria growth and increase shelf life. When using a mascara with parabens, it is absorbed by the skin through small sensitive pores around your eyes. Parabens are linked to breast cancer because of the way they mimic the hormone estrogen. Also known as hormone (endocrine) disruptors.
Retinyl acetate is a synthetic form of retinol (Vitamin A) with moisturizing properties. It is known to cause reproductive harm and is a potential carcinogen. It is rated a 9 on the EWG hazard scale.
Other preservatives used in mascara are Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). BHA is an endocrine disruptor because it interferes with hormone function and it is classified as… you guessed it, a carcinogen! BHT can cause liver, thyroid, and kidney problems as well as decreased lung function.
Coal tar dyes, yes, derivatives of coal, are used to give mascara that signature black tint. Not only do they contain heavy metals, but they are carcinogenic when applied to the skin. Watch for the ingredients FD & C Blue no. 1 or Carbon Black if you want to avoid toxic dyes. These harmful coal derivatives can be found in many popular brands of mascaras.
What I’m Using
The shape of your eyes as well as length and volume of lashes will determine somewhat your preference for mascara. My eyes are hooded and lashes are small and sparse (thanks, Mom.)
Arbonne’s Elevate mascara has been a good fit for my eyes. I like that it goes on well and doesn’t smudge or flake by day’s end. Also pictured is an eyebrow pencil from Crunchi.
What Others Are Saying
Below are three testimonials from former Beautycounter Brand Advocates.
I’ve always struggled with mascaras but tried the elevate mascara this week and was really impressed! It stayed put and didn’t smudge. Even better, it comes off so easily!
Mascara is my fave makeup product & I’m forever trying new ones. I loved BC’s think big bc it was clean, it went on smooth & was super black. I have oily lids & always wore eye cream & concealer under my eyes & had smudges by midday? End of day for sure. Even with mattifying powder. I didn’t care bc I wanted to use BC’s but obvs wished it would have dried down better. I LOVE Arbonne’s!! I don’t even have to curl my lashes! I have always volumes & elevate. I think I like elevate best (that’s the one that’s a free gift.) It’s a really fluffy brush so go slow in applying it & it’ll lift, separate & VAVOOM your lashes. It dries down better than BCs and I’ve only seen a smudge like at the end of the day (withOUT using mattifying powder!)
Love the mascara better than BC and I know many others have said the same thing! It’s fantastic!!!!! I used BC’s and like Arbonne’s way more.
Testimonial from a friend:
Get This Mascara Free
Arbonne has a rewards program called Preferred Client. It operates similarly to Band of Beauty if you were a Beautycounter customer…but better. As a Preferred Client you get 20% off every order for a year, free shipping and a free gift from a list of best selling products (not just clearanced items!). This mascara is one of the free gifts this month.
Protein Powders
I’ve been loving making smoothies for breakfast in the morning. I can get upwards of 40grams of protein in my body first thing using a pea protein powder and kefir.
Quick difference between the 3 types that Arbonne offers:
FeelFit - has a very pleasant taste with both cane sugar and stevia as sweeteners. Those (like me) who don’t prefer the taste of stevia will like this. However, the way that Arbonne processes their stevia is different and is the first company that I can tolerate the aftertaste of stevia.
Simply1 - made with stevia (no cane sugar) - good choice for diabetics or those watching carb intake
EssentialMeal - has more protein than pea protein powders also features hemp and pumpkin seed, quinoa and rice protein, agaricus bisporus (a mushroom with health benefits), prebiotic (chickory root), a bit of cane sugar and stevia, and made with avocado oil (non-inflammatory).
Please reach out with questions.
Julie
Why Arbonne
Try anything for 90 days. Love it or get your money back.
