Earthlab Cosmetics: A Natural Cosmetics Alternative

At EcoInhabit we enjoy discovering innovative businesses that offer natural solutions to living a healthy lifestyle. We've found those qualities in Earthlab Cosmetics, a handmade line of mineral cosmetics that provides women with the type of product they deserve.We like the fact Earthlab Cosmetics offers talc-free, fragrance-free, dye-free and cruelty-free make-up products. Earthlab's Loose Mineral Make-up is 100 per cent natural and free of any fillers, additives and preservatives.

We also like the story behind the company.

Earthlab Cosmetics: The mother of invention

Earthlab Cosmetics is the brainchild of Scott and Jen MacDougall. The West Kelowna, B.C., couple started their own cosmetic line in an effort to help Jen's mother who suffers from Resaca. Like many others with the condition that causes redness and inflammation, she could not wear make-up because it irritated her skin. She even tried other mineral cosmetic lines, but the fillers many cosmetic companies use in their products caused redness, irritation and itchiness.

That's when the MacDougalls began concocting their own formulas using natural ingredients and no fillers, creating products that allowed Jen's mother to wear make-up again. Soon they were in business with a natural cosmetics line that includes bronzers, blushes, foundations, concealers, shadows, shadow liners, eye liners, mascara and application brushes.

Why natural cosmetics makes sense

Health Canada does regulate cosmetics and has compiled a Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist of over 500 prohibited or restricted chemicals and contaminants. However, there are still many unrestricted cosmetic ingredients allowed that aren't conducive to green living and maintaining good health.

Bismuth oxychloride is a heavy mineral used as a filler in many cosmetics. It acts as a colorant, provides iridescence and gives makeup that silky feel, but bismuth oxychloride causes skin irritation for many people.

Parabens, easily absorbed by the skin, are the most commonly used preservative in cosmetics. The European Union restricts the concentration of parabens in cosmetics after evidence showed parabens interfere with hormone production. However, in Canada there are no restrictions on the use of parabens in cosmetics.

Earthlab Cosmetics: Truly natural beauty

Earthlab Loose Mineral Make-up is made from finely milled all natural aluminum-free minerals like zinc oxide, iron oxide and titanium oxide. The company avoids irritating fillers such as talc and bismuth oxychloride that clog pores and damage skin.

Many other cosmetic manufacturers micronize their mineral bases, allowing nano particles to be absorbed into the skin. Earthlab Loose Minerals aren't micronized and are designed to set on the surface of the skin, allowing it to breath.

Earthlab's 100% Natural Raw Mascara is paraben-free and botanically enriched. Part of EcoInhabit's research of the products we offer is trying them out for ourselves.EcoInhabit people, including Jan, Kara and Joanna, are already using the Raw Mascara and eye liner and are pleased with the results, and Jan's daughter Rebecca is going to try them, too.

Earthlab Mineral Make-up was formulated by a team of chemists and licensed estheticians, and tested and approved by licensed estheticians. The products come in a variety of rich colours suitable for all complexions, skin types and ages.

Come visit the EcoInhabit store and explore this exciting new line of natural cosmetics in our bed and bath section that offers women a healthy alternative to achieving their natural beauty.