Certainly there are notable exceptions. But in my quest to greenify and simplify my life, I've discovered over and over again that one of the reasons why we cling to our products is because they work. Like Pantene shampoo. Seriously. I miss it. I want my hair to be shiny and smell like some not-quite-discernible-delicious-fruit/flower. And I want my hair to be shiny and smooth. I like my Paraben-free, Sulfate-free, artificial-fragrance-free shampoo as well as one could like such a utilitarian thing, but I'd be totally lying if I said it works just as well as Pantene. I'm looking into some home-made hair shine masks that involve mashed avocado and egg yolks. But I don't really want to waste a perfectly good avo OR a spendy cage-free egg on my hair. Sigh. Priorities bite.
Anyway, that was a longer than necessary lead-in to my latest Green Product Trial:
I have been missing mascara. Ever since I started the G3 experiment, I haven't been able to bring myself to buy it, and I can tell that my face looks droopier and a little mousier without it. I admit that this was an impulse purchase partly inspired by the fact that I am not super happy with my new hair cut (photos to come) and I wanted to look more feminine. I didn't do any research or consult any websites. I just lurched to the makeup section of the CVS and looked for the Lesser of All Evils based on product packaging.
Let's see what this claims to do without:
- Harsh Chemicals
- Synthetic preservatives
- Smudging, flaking, clumping
- Fibers
- Dyes (How do you make mascara without dyes? I need to look into this)
It also claims to be be "ECO CERT", whatever that is, and feature "Organic Soy and Eco-Olive". On the back it touts that the tube, in addition to being really stupid looking, is also made from recycled materials.
Anyway, I was desperate, so I gave it a go.
Two hours after applying yesterday, I looked like a I had been crying for a day and a half. I had mascara smudges under my eyes and swooping upward towards my forehead. AND they reappeared after I swiped them away in with a tissue. So I can't endorse this product as anti-smudge. I'm wearing it today, however, and I'm pleased to see that it has stayed put so far. Maybe the stinging wind in my face yesterday made my eyes water and contributed to the running.
But today I had to check it out on the Good Guide and the Skin Deep Database. Here's what I found, for all that greenwashing:
Skin Deep: EcoWear is not listed in their product listings. It may be too new. But, I did discover that Physicians Formula Retro Glow UltraDramatic Mascara is rated a very respectable 2 on their safety ratings! So, if the Eco Wear turns out to be a farce then I may try Retro Glow next.
Good Guide: 6.8 out of 10, with a 10 out of 10 for health, a 6.9 for the environment, and a 5.5 for Society.
When I ask the Good Guide to suggest higher-rated alternatives, I was surprised by the findings. Here are the Top 4 Similar Products:
- Miessence Mascara - 8.7 I have never heard of this brand, but it gets pretty good user reviews.
- The Body Shop mascara - 8.2
- Maybelline Ultralash Waterproof- 8.1
- Loreal Paris Voluminous Waterproof Mascara - 8.1
Pretty surprising, huh? It pays to do some research! I would like to look the Maybelline and the Loreal on Skin Deep, just to cross check, but it looks like our friends at Physician's Formula duped me with some greeny packaging tricks. Honestly, I would buy a different brand in the future just to avoid the uber-childish and somewhat-phallic looking tube....
So there you have it! Succumbed to Greenwashing once again. Be careful out there, my lovlies. And do your research!
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