Safer Alternatives for Popular "Cult" Beauty Products
I put together a list of luxury beauty and skincare products that have achieved "cult classic" status in the beauty industry. Then I looked up their ratings using the Environmental Working Group's SkinDeep product database. Not very surprisingly, I found out that most of the expensive and popular products marketed as "classics" did not score well. Most of the cult items on the list still contain parabens, while others rely on mineral oil, petroleum jelly, or "parfum." In addition, I've put together a guide below to help you find safer alternatives for your favorite products. I did the legwork and research and came up with a recommendation list for safe and clean skincare and beauty product options. A budget version will be posted soon, so check back!
Cult beauty products are advertised almost continuously to consumer-age women and girls across the Western world. As a consumer and woman, I think the definition of a "luxury item" is one that should not contain unnecessary toxic (and cheap) chemicals and heavy metals, don't you? Beauty is not sacrificing the long-term for short term benefits. A cult product I actually believe in is sure not to give people headaches, or allergies, or cause cancer, right? Unfortunately not. So often we are paying only for an image, a brand name or package that conveys more luxury than what is actually inside the bottle.
safe alternatives to Cult Beauty Products
The Breakdown - Popular "Cult" Products & How They Rate
*Follow the links to see the full rating and ingredient list*
Nars Orgasm blush (EWG Rating 5 - contains parabens, heavy metals) $30
BeneFit Hula Bronzer (EWG Rating 8 - contains parabens, talc, fragrance, vitamin A) $30
Georgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation (unrated - contains parabens) $62
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer (EWG Rating 3 - contains parabens) $44
Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat concealer pen (unrated - contains mineral oil, talc) $42
Creme de la Mer facial moisturizer (contains parabens, mineral oil, petroleum, ) $170
Eve Lom Cleansing Balm (EWG Rating 4 - contains parabens, mineral oil) $100
Nuxe Reve de Miel lip balm (EWG Rating 5 - contains parabens) $20
Rodin Olio Lusso Luxury Face Oil (EWG Rating 2) $170
Maybelline Great Lash mascara (EWG Rating 3) $8
clean Products Recommendation
Safe & Clean Replacement Products - EWG Approved
BeautyCounter Color Sweep blush duo in Tawny/Whisper - $40
BeautyCounter Color Contour Matte Bronzer No.1 or No.2 - $39
BeautyCounter Dew Skin tinted moisturizer - $45
BeautyCounter Calendula Lip Conditioner lip balm - $20
Beauty Counter Lustro Face Oil #2 Jasmine - $68