Earthy Cosmetics and Eco-Friendly Applicators

NVEY is an Australian cosmetics manufacturer. Apparently you say NVEY as "nah-VĀ," and after repeated uses, I say it's "Ō-kā," or definitely exceptionally good, in terms of durability and vibrancy. The organic line claims six years of testing and forty-six years of cumulative cosmetics experience. Application is smooth and even, not flaky or powdery, and the spectrum available includes a bracing lime green and rich eggplant, and some shimmers, in addition to a refined range of tans, taupes, and pinks. Ingredients include natural beeswax and rose absolute, and vitamins, and they also exclude an impressive array of potentially harmful substances.

However, if you're going to be health-conscious and environmentally aware enough to use organic cosmetics, it might occur to you that packaging and application are issues. All those extra boxes, some of which are wrapped in cellophane, or foam sponges on little plastic sticks accumulating in landfills. Fortunately, there are natural-materials reusable cosmetic applicators available from Ecotools: individual applicators, eye shading and foundation brushes, cleansing sponges, an eyebrow grooming kit, and—my favorite—a Kabuki brush with "cruelty free" taklon bristles (“no plastics were harmed in the making of this brush”). The Kabuki is of a large professional caliber—"I'm ready for my close-up, Mr. DeMille"—and fun to use. The wooden stems of the brushes are even unpainted, eliminating an unnecessary use of potentially toxic chemicals. Inasmuch that femininity is construct, the freedom to play with a wider range of costumes—including make-up—is one of the few advantages available to women in our culture. It's nice to have the right toys—or tools—if you choose to use the paintbox.

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