Oh, darling, we’ve all been there…some lout to whom you’ve pledged eternal devotion deceives you and runs off with a lesser woman, like say, your sister. Unfortunately that cad isn’t the only one playing fast and loose with the truth. That’s right. As consumers demand more full disclosure, cosmetic companies are “spinning” stories faster than mommy spun the beads during your spring break in Daytona. Trying to get the truth out of these companies is like trying to get a straight answer about where your “funny Valentine” spent last night. But dry your eyes, Diva. The following will help you avoid toxic cads and toxic cosmetic companies…many of whom have striking similarities.
They Can’t Commit…
Toxic cads leave their options open. Toxic cosmetic companies do to too. As a result, they won’t sign “The Compact for Safe Cosmetics,” a pledge to not use cancer-causing or hormone disrupting ingredients in their products. You’ve heard it before. “We have healthy products, but we’re not an American company so we can’t sign The Compact.” Our answer to that is BUNKO. Cosmetic companies across the globe have signed the Compact for Safe Cosmetics. Your favorite company can too.
They’re Full of Excuses…
Toxic cads have an excuse for everything. So do toxic companies. They'll explain away unfavorable ratings from the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Report with something like this, “That product review is for an old formulation. We have a new formulation.” Right...Right…Right…
It’s Not What They Say, It’s What They Don’t Say…
A cad frequently leaves out crucial parts of information. Similarly, cad cosmetic companies frequently don’t list all product ingredients (for instance, they don't list phalates, a toxin linked to reproductive problems in baby boys, instead using the catch-all term “fragrance.”) If your lover or your make-up company isn’t into full disclosure, do yourself a favor and say buh-bye.
It’s your lot in life, Diva. You’re no average dolly. As a result, you must demand what you deserve. Teaching your companion how to treat you is as important as teaching your cosmetic company how to treat you. The bottom line: get a commitment from anyone who plans to move into your medicine cabinet. Here’s wishing you better mates and better make-up ahead, darling.
(To check if the companies in your make-up bag have signed "The Compact" visit www.safecosmetics.org. Also review The Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep Report by visiting www.ewg.org.)
