October 26, 2020
7 Non-Toxic Halloween Makeup Alternatives
It's that time of year again, where we get to indulge our dark side and transform into anything our imagination can conjure up. That's right, one of the most fun holidays is almost upon us — Halloween! In the run-up to Halloween, many of us spend months meticulously designing our costumes and perusing Pinterest to find the best fantasy makeup tutorials. From ghouls to goddesses and everything in between, spooky season is the perfect excuse to hone our theatrical makeup skills.
Fortunately, Halloween makeup has come a long way from the garish multicolored paint and fake blood sold in costume shops. Although it may be convenient to pick up a cheap makeup palette at the Halloween store, you may be surprised to find out just how frightening the ingredients are. In this article, we're discussing the benefits of non-toxic makeup and listing some awesome alternatives for you to try.
What Is Toxic Makeup?
In the U.S., there are no laws that require the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to approve cosmetics. Shockingly, this means that there is no regulation against cosmetics containing any number of dangerous chemicals.
Skin is the largest organ of the body. When we use cosmetics, they don't simply sit on top of our skin — we also absorb any chemicals they contain too. Once absorbed, these chemicals and toxins can enter our bloodstream and make their way around our bodies. Researchers have found that some makeup contains harmful ingredients that have been linked to allergies and other serious health concerns.
According to a study by the Campaign For Safe Cosmetics, almost half of the Halloween makeup products they tested contained toxins, such as lead, cadmium, talc, and various Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). These ingredients are not only problematic if you have sensitive skin, but they can also cause a whole host of other serious health issues. The CDC states that there are no safe levels of cadmium — which has been linked to various cancers, including breast, lung, kidney, and prostate cancer. Shockingly, cadmium was found in 30% of the Halloween makeup tested. In addition, face paint kits, in particular, were found to have high levels of nickel and cobalt, which are common allergens and can trigger severe allergic reactions.
We get it, Halloween is supposed to be scary — but not when it comes to what we put on our skin! It's time to switch out the toxic makeup, for products your skin will be thankful for. But don't worry about making any costume sacrifices, because there are plenty of ethical beauty brands who create non-toxic makeup alternatives — so you can kill the costume contest without hurting your health.
7 Amazing Non-Toxic Makeup Alternatives
Rituel de Fille | Ash and Ember Eye Soot: Obsidian
Rituel de Fille products are handcrafted and free from any unnecessary ingredients such as parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrance, synthetic dyes, or plastic-based glitters. The brand was founded by three sisters who were inspired by natural ingredients and the ritualistic ceremony of applying cosmetics. Ash and Ember Eye Soot is densely pigmented and perfect for creating a dramatic smokey Halloween eye.
Au Naturale | su/Stain Matte Lip Stain: Thirteen
Au Naturale is a brand that lives up to its name, with 100% organic, vegan, and cruelty-free products that you can feel good about using. By sourcing all of their ingredients to ensure they're non-toxic and eco-friendly, Au Naturale offers high-end cosmetics that contain no animal by-products, no synthetic preservatives, no gluten, no fillers, and zero parabens. This su/Stain Matte Lip Stain in Thirteen is a gorgeous non-toxic dark lip alternative to create a vampy Halloween pout.
100% PURE | Luminating Créme: Northern Light
Give yourself an ethereal glow this Halloween with 100% PURE's Luminating Créme in Northern Light. Not only are their products 100% non-toxic, but with every order, you can choose whether to donate a meal to a dog shelter or to plant a tree! This liquid highlighter is created from a base of skin hydrating aloe juice and anti-aging pomegranate oil to create a smooth and luminescent finish. Simply dab on your cheekbones and nose to create a soft glow.
W3ll People | Expressionist Pro Mascara
W3ll People is a sustainable beauty brand that utilizes plant-based ingredients to create toxin-free, long-wearing cosmetics for conscientious babes. An Allure Best of Beauty Award winner, their best-selling Expressionist Pro Mascara is the perfect way to create bold and defined Halloween lashes. Made with organic beeswax and free from parabens, petrolatum, and aluminum, this dramatic mascara is a must-have all year long.
Unicorn Snot | Bio Glitter Gel
Don't worry; no unicorns were harmed in the making of this cruelty-free and vegan glitter! Unicorn Snot's Bio Glitter Gel contains non-plastic biodegradable glitter, so you can sparkle without feeling guilty. Plus, it's irritant-free ingredients are kind to skin and stay-put all night.
Mineral Fusion | Eye Pencil: Azure
Mineral fusion prides itself on creating cruelty-free cosmetics that leave skin feeling nourished and hydrated. With no gluten, phthalates, parabens, talc, artificial colors, or synthetic fragrances, you can be sure that this velvety eye pencil will be kind to the delicate skin around your eyes. It's also infused with Chamomile, Meadowfoam, and Vitamin E, so you can create a dramatic Halloween eye look while giving your peepers a treat.
Just the Goods | Vegan Eye Makeup Remover
This vegan eye makeup remover is the perfect way to end your non-toxic Halloween night. Featuring witch hazel, jojoba oil, and olive oil, you can safely wipe away all kinds of eye makeup without worrying about clogging your pores. Plus, designated a "champion status" brand by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, you can also relax knowing you're not adding any nasty toxins to your skin.
So there you have it, seven non-toxic, kind to skin makeup brands that can help you create a devastatingly beautiful Halloween look this spooky season!
