Last week Josie told us why we should use our fingers to apply makeup (just make sure they’re clean, y’all!), and this week she dishes on the sliding scale of “green,” her other favorite sustainable cosmetics brands and how traditional makeup used to wreak havoc on her skin.
When you were modeling all the time did you notice a difference in your skin and hair from all the product used? Did that have any part in you going clean?
With 17 years of modeling experience, I’ve spent a lot of time in the makeup chair. There were days I’d have makeup caked-on and I often got break outs. I never heard about healthier alternatives that were functional enough to be used by professional makeup artists. If I had, I would have asked that we use them. This is what inspired me to start my own line. It was also perfect that I was pregnant around the same time I was developing the line, because it definitely made me more aware of what I was putting inside my body and on my skin. I wanted to stay away from toxins as much as possible.
Where do you stand on the sliding scale of green? Totally clean without exceptions? Or do you bend the rules sometimes?
I was born into a family that cares about environmental and social issues, so being green and natural has always been an important part of my life. I try to reduce my carbon footprint whenever possible—one of my favorite things to do is compost in my backyard!
As for my brand, it has always been a luxurious, high-performance line that uses many natural and organic ingredients. As we’ve progressed, I have found that select synthetic ingredients are essential to high-performance cosmetics and since these will remain in some formulations, I am implementing ways to bring balance to this equation. Planting thousands of trees, donating profits to eco-organizations such as Global Green USA and the Natural Resources Defense Council, etc. Also, our packaging will remain compostable, biodegradable and/or recyclable. I am committed to being as authentic and transparent as possible as my line continues to grow.
Are there any exciting new discoveries you’ve made?
I’m really excited about my new mascara. We found a great way to introduce natural blacker-than-black mascara that really performs, while also giving back to a great cause. The formula features a breakthrough ingredient: double silica encapsulated carbon black. It offers unbeatable shine, the deepest carbon black available and water resistant, long wear benefits.
What’s your absolute favorite product from your own line?
My absolute favorite product is of course my 100% pure organic argan oil. It’s the ultimate multitasking product. I use it as a daily moisturizer, to heal rough cuticles and to fix split ends.
Other than your own, what are some other favorite clean brands?
I love Jo Wood Organics, Lulu Organics, and Duchess Marden.
