As you might be aware from reading previous blog posts I am always trying to make a few small and simple changes to my life that lead my family to a more natural, organic and ultimately healthier state. Changing one product at a time has proved to be a better method for me that trying to change my whole lifestyle in one go, so slowly we have been finding our feet with the “greener” versions and incorporating them into everyday life!

An new area I am starting to tackle is makeup and body products. The skin is our largest organ and everything we apply to it is absorbed and taken into our blood stream where it has an effect. If we are concerned about a healthy diet then we should be equally concerned about the products we put on our skin!

I do find making this change quite hard as I have got used to my tried and tested favourites as I’m sure you have and am reluctant to spend money on something that I am not guaranteed will work… Recently I discovered a new range of natural and organic make-up called Suncoat that I was very keen to try out. Suncoat is new to South Africa and they offer a range of natural, vegan-friendly eye shadows, eyeliners, mascara and water based nail polishes even a natural nail polish remover!

I tried the French Pink nail polish and the black sugar based mascara which is even suitable for vegans (not to eat mind you!). The nail polish had a great shine and was a very similar texture to other nail polishes but without the chemical smell. I am especially pleased with this as my little daughter has suddenly found a fascination for all things beauty and is insisting on nail polish and lipstick constantly – I am far happier to use natural beauty products around her on the special occasions when I allow her to have painted nails – something about the chemical cocktail smell makes me not keen to use them on her little fingernails. This natural nail polish option will also be great for pregnant women who want to avoid excess chemicals. The colour I tried is quite a natural, light pink perfect for a French Mani. I would be quite interested to see what density of colour is achieved with the other colour selections that include Berry, Plum and Desert Sun, a raspberry shade.

The natural mascara was another winner. It comes in three shades – black, brown and navy blue and is made with natural sugar-based biopolymer, kaolin clay, earth pigments and enriched with vitamin E. It naturally builds lash volume and length and is a great alternative for those with sensitive eyes. The mascara is not tested on animals, is vegan and contains biodegradable ingredients. Although NOT waterproof, it has GREAT wear-ability and resists smudging, but washes off easily with regular skin cleanser and water. Considering mascara is applied so close to the membranes of your eyes I think it is really important to know what is in it and to avoid chemicals as far as possible…

Common Chemicals found in Mascaras include:
•Parabens. Mimics the hormone oestrogen, which can play a role in the development of breast cancer.
•Phthalates. Chemicals that could damage the liver, kidneys, lungs and reproductive system.
•Diazolidinyl urea. This chemical releases formaldehyde and acts as a preservative. It could contain carcinogenic impurities and is associated with other significant health problems.
•Ethyl acetate. Prolonged exposure can cause damage to the lungs, heart, kidney and liver.
•Petrolatum. May contain harmful impurities that break down into chemicals linked to cancer.
•Sodium laureth/sodium laurel sulfate. SLS can penetrate into the eyes, as well as brain, heart and liver, and show long-term retention in the tissues.

Hence my excitement at discovering a natural and organic option!

The natural liquid eyeliner is also sugar based and received the 2011 Best of Natural Beauty Award from Best Nutrition magazine. It comes in black, brown, navy blue, purple, jade green and smokey grey.

Stockists of Suncoat
Eirene Health Store in Durbanville
Pure and Simple in PE
Lime Fusion in East London
Tibetan Tea Room in Simons Town
Nirvana Studio Durbanville
Private Stockist in Southern Suburbs
Organic Choice online store

You can also purchase the products and find out more about them on the Suncoat website.

Becoming you readers can win one of 5 Suncoat Natural Mascaras valued at R137 each

How To Enter

1. “Like” Becoming you on Facebook

2. “Like” Suncoat on Facebook and leave a comment on their page stating that Becoming you sent you!

3. Leave a comment telling me you have “liked” both pages and tell me what make-up item you can’t live without…

For an extra entry you can Tweet about this competition saying something like this: I’ve just entered to win one of 5 natural mascara’s from Suncoat Natural Makeup & @Becomingyoublog. Enter here: http://www.becomingyou.co.za/?p=14561. Remember to leave an additional comment telling me you have tweeted!

Competition is open to all South African residents. 5 winners will be drawn from the comments left on this blog post. The competition is open for a week. Winners will be drawn on Monday 10 Sep and announced on this blog on Tuesday 11 Sep!

images: Suncoat

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