If I were to use only one makeup product for the rest of my life, it would be mascara. A great mascara is a staple in every person’s makeup kit, especially when you’re ginger and your eyelashes flick to invisible mode when they’re not coated in black gloop.
I work from home, so I only wear mascara about 2-3 times a week. But boy oh boy: when I wear it, it better be darn good. Throw my eco/ethical values into the mix, and finding a fantastically natural mascara that makes my lashes as lush as my dog’s (you should see them, they’re impressive) seems impossible. But alas: natural mascaras that work, do exist! I realise it’s an expensive task to find a natural mascara that suits you, so as a proud partner of Nourished Life, I’ve tried my best to do some of the work for you.
Nourished Life are your online store for everything eco/natural/sustainable/toxin-free that you need in your home. Consider them your online eco pharmacy and health shop. They stock some of my very favourite beauty, home and general lifestyle products… including toxin-free mascaras that I’ve used in the past, plus some I am new to.
WARNING: This will be a very honest review. I don’t have time for shit mascaras, and I know you don’t either.
NOTE: These mascaras come in plastic tubes. They can be sent back to Nourished Life to be recycled after use, but I think we need to work on a better solution (even though I’ve learnt plastic free mascara is really hard to create without compromising quality). Before publishing this blog post, I emailed each company individually to encourage them to continue their investigation into keeping the quality of the product, but changing the packaging to a more sustainable option.
If you find something you like, use code ETHICALLYKATE for 15% OFF.
This does not apply to already discounted items, and may exclude particular items. It’s an affiliate code, so I also make a small commission if you do purchase.
We're not into sweeping generalizations here at Grove. We prefer gathering data and making reasonable choices based on facts. Hence, it's not that mascara is all "bad" — the answer is more nuanced. First, we need to consider overall behavior when it comes to using any mascara in the most healthful way.
Treating your eyes with the utmost care is key. Try to avoid rubbing your eyes when you’re wearing mascara, even if they're itchy. This is especially important when removing your makeup, since tiny bits of mascara can get into your eyes, blocking tear ducts and causing irritation or even an infection.
Dermatologists agree that removing your makeup before you go to sleep is crucial for your eye health. Documented — and scary! — cases of accumulated bacteria, permanent harmful growths under the eyelids, and abrasions of the eyes are attributed to sleeping with mascara on. Make it a habit to completely remove your makeup after every single wear.
Seen an expiry date on your mascara lately? Overlooking it is easy, especially once the microscopic print gets worn off the tube by day-to-day use. Here's your guideline, per dermos: Been a few months, as in 90 days or longer? Toss it. Plus, replacing it is an opportunity to shop, so.