The 8 Commandments of Natural Beauty

Commandment No. 8

It's true that some natural beauty products carry a higher price tag than their drugstore counterparts, it's. It's also true that potentially harmful chemicals in conventional products because they cost the least amount of money. But what savings is being passed on to you, when it's your health that is in question? It's your choice to decide which you value more. Don't rely exclusively on your own research: Look for help from others who have made the switch to natural beauty products. Here's how:

Socialize Your Shopping:

• Review:
  Keep a mental checklist of points to review before investing in a product, including those from this list.

• Research:
  Plug the product name in the EWG's Skin Deep database. Rule of thumb: If the product is rated 3 or less, it's great. Be wary of 3 to 5. Anything over 5 — try to find an alternative. Try Wikipedia for background on unfamiliar ingredients.

• Communicate:
  Ask sales clerks for more information (and samples!). Also, email or call any company with your questions. Express your concerns, ask questions or request a sample be mailed to you. You'll get an answer even if the company refuses to give you a straight one: Be skeptical of products without honest customer service.

• Discuss:
  Try the message boards of popular green beauty sites to ask other readers if they've tried a particular product. The Green Beauty Guide ($10.50 at amazon.com) is a great resource to find the answers to your questions about natural makeup.