Let's Talk Mascara.

Can we talk about mascara for a moment?

Most of us wear (at least) mascara most days.

Because who are we kidding?! It gives us a pop of awake and “helloness” that we don’t all get from our natural lashes.

It’s fun. I love mascara. I wear it even on days I do NOTHING else to my face.

So. Naturally when I started the journey to learning about (and choosing) safer products, mascara was one of my first focuses.

Because I do wear it most days AND because it’s my eye. It’s a pretty darn important part of my body. At least in my opinion.

And honestly. That was enough for me. Once I knew the industry was poorly (and that’s an understatement) regulated, I was like “well if I start anywhere, mascara is a no-brainer”.

But now I decided to go back and partake in some good ‘ol research and education.

I started with looking up the top ten mascaras of 2018. (check this out)

First things first, according to the EWG Healthy Living App, it wasn’t as BAD as I thought, but again. It’s my eyes so I’m not holding back here.

Most mascaras on the market DO have a medium to high allergy concern. Almost all of them contain Phenoxyethanol (more on that in a minute).

Some other common ingredients are Sodium Metabisulfite, BHT and fragrance.

Phenoxyethanol can cause irritation to the eyes and skin. It can affect organ system toxicity. Additionally, its use is regulated by the EEC, so judge that how you will.

Sodium Metabisulfite can cause irreversible irritating, corneal damage, etc to you eyes if direct contact were to happen (and hello. It’s mascara!! Who hasn’t accidentally gotten it in their eye?!)

BHT is a synthetic antioxidant that is used to extend product shelf life. They are likely carcinogens and hormone disruptors and may cause liver damage.

Now. Fragrance is an engineered scent that can contain any combination of 3,000 plus stock chemical ingredients – that include hormone disruptors and allergens. Due to fragrance formulas being protected under the federal law’s classification of trade secrets, companies are not required to disclose what is exactly in them.

So – real quick – I want to talk about Essence Lash Princess mascara for a minute.

It’s gluten-free. Paraben free. Cruelty free.

It WORKS beautifully. AND comes off easily.

Don’t your eyes deserve better?

*Head over to our Instagram page to learn more about what to watch for in mascara ingredients!