After 15 years as a professional makeup artist, I'm frequently asked for my all-time fave beauty products and so the Secret Weapon Series was born.
I’m a big advocate for lippy. I’m a die-hard embracer of a great, preferably bright, lipstick. My mother never left the house without her lips on. Mum would ask my twenty-something, loving-myself-sick self “aren’t you going to put a bit of colour on your lips before you go out, you look drab!” Yes she was not backwards in coming forwards my beloved much-missed Mother. I didn’t get it in my twenties, hell I wasn’t really sure about it in my early 30’s either but now I’m in my almost mid-40’s (gah!) I can totally see my Mum was on to something. Lipstick rules.
Photo credits: The team that created this divine image used 100% natural beauty products.
Photographer: Johnny Rintoul www.johnrintoul.com
Model and Clinical Nutritionist: Anna-Maria Boelskov www.annamaria.com.au
Hair Stylist: (using Rahua) Sue Carroll www.suecarroll.com
Nail Technician: (using Zoya) Charlotte Laight facebook.com/charlottesmobilenailbar
Makeup Artist: (using NUDUS organic lipstick) Amanda Ramsay www.amandaramsay.com.au
As we age everything is going, well a little grey. Our skin thins with age causing us to look more translucent and pale. Awesome. So I’m not sure if it’s because we lose colour in our skin, or that most of us become significantly more sun smart, or whether it’s just the quickest bloody thing you can do to look “pulled together” when you’re in a hurry, lipstick definitely helps brighten up the ageing woman.
Lipstick works a treat on several levels: it says “hello I’ve got my sh*t together, hah”. It lifts our mood. It makes us feel good about ourselves. Look, I’m sure there’s plenty of you who don’t have that happy high feeling a bright lippy can provide but can I tell you how many people comment when I’m wearing a lipstick? And THAT alone perks me right up. Love a compliment.
Number 3 in my Secret Weapon Series is the incredible NUDUS Certified Organic Lipstick.
I will be the first to admit that as a Professional Makeup Artist I borked at the idea of natural makeup. I’m guilty of the eye rolling response of “well, it’s a nice idea but does it work?” The organic and chemical-free movement might be the fastest growing industry in the world for good reason. Chemicals in beauty products range from nasty to dead-set dangerous
My personal education in green beauty products started with my beloved lippy-wearing Mother’s diagnosis. Mum wanted chemical-free products to use whilst undergoing chemotherapy. Her body was hyper sensitive to chemicals whilst enduring the horrendous-ness of chemo treatment. Our first objective was to find something comfortable for Mum’s terribly dry and sore lips (she never left home without her lips on, regardless of how unwell she felt). Whilst on the plight for a deeply nourishing lipstick, I became somewhat flabbergasted by the discovery of carcinogenic toxic chemicals that lurk in everyday lipsticks.
There’s nothing like a terminally ill family member to motivate action. I’d heard rumblings of nasties in lipsticks but had been quite happy to mindlessly carry on with what I knew worked.
Now, I like to think I'm an educated chick, yet I'm floored to learn that there is lead in lipsticks in 2017. And if I wasn't immersed in the beauty industry I'd probs presume that lead had been eradicated back in the 70's. Alas not.
Scientists agree that there is no safe level of lead exposure for developing children. Even trace exposures can cause irreversible changes, including diminished IQ and behavioural problems.Yet every day, millions of women get a little bit of toxic lead on their lips with every swipe of their lipstick. Frankly, it should not be in our lipstick or other cosmetics - why is it?
Blessed to have Clinical Nutritionist, women's wellness expert and Mumspire Podcaster as my Model for this story, Anna Maria Boelskov says "The most harmful effect from lipstick is the endocrine disrupting ingredients that are widely used to keep lipstick shelf stable for a very long time. Our endocrine system is essentially our reproductive system, adrenal glands, pancreas, thyroid and our pineal and pituitary glands. These precious glands and organs are extraordinarily sensitive to the external environment and are easily put out of homoeostasis (balance) particularly due to metals and chemicals such as propylparaben, Phthalates, Fragrances, BPA, Titanium dioxide that causes long-term oxidative damage and disruption. Women who have a family history of cancers, fertility issues and autoimmune conditions are best advised to only use lipstick, makeup and cleaning products that are as pure as possible".
And now we're getting why I'm on the organic lipstick bandwagon, right?
Lipstick is one of the easiest things to switch on the path to using safer beauty products.
a) We literally eat lipstick off (exposure to lead and toxins from lipstick is mainly by swallowing, immediately after you lick your lips), and
b) Lipstick is a little fashion accessory indulgence. One we can splurge on for under $50. It doesn't break the bank or incite major post-purchase remorse. It's fun.
I’ve tried many 100% natural lipstick brands in my crusade. Most look okay on application, but don’t last long. I feel like I found NUDUS Certified Organic Lipstick for a reason – it’s like it was one of Mum’s magical afterlife doings.
1. NUDUS is Organic
84.11% of the ingredients in the lipstick are grown and processed without the use of synthetic chemicals, fertilisers, pesticides or GMO’s. The other 15.89% is 100% natural. The ACO (https://aco.net.au/standard/australian-certified-organic/ explain that “Organics is more than ‘chemical free’ it’s a holistic means of growing and handling food.”
What does this mean for you?
The ingredients are food-grade quality and safe to eat. It’s the real raw deal.
2. NUDUS is Australian Certified Organic
“Certified” is a guarantee that products really are organic. Every step of the production process from paddock to plate so to speak is audited according to the Organic Standard (this process is audited by government departments worldwide for ACO to maintain its accreditation as an international certified). So the certifiers are audited.
The ACO is one of the most recognised certification body’s throughout the World. I’m also told that it’s the toughest certification to achieve. The certification process is a long and challenging road, which is probably why most companies don’t accomplish ACO Certification. The best way to be assured you are buying genuine, organic products is to look for the ACO “bud” logo.
NUDUS are the first company in Australia to have the COSMOS ACO Organic Certification on their lipsticks. Respect.
What does this mean for you?
There ain’t no hidden nasties. What you read is what you’re really getting. NUDUS really cares about your health.
A little word on the misuse and proliferation of the words "organic" and "natural".
The Australian cosmetics industry regulations are lax to be polite. Just because a product claims it’s natural doesn’t mean it is. Gasp! I know … companies are telling porky pies but while it’s uber uncool it is not new news. And whilst that’s annoying, do your research - or ask me - make informed choices. Familiarise yourself with the key nasty chemicals found in most cosmetics, and read product labels.
Check out the www.ewg.org Skin Deep database.
3. NUDUS lipsticks heal skin.
NUDUS certified organic lipsticks use a recipe of amazingness, with some ingredients you’d expect in a nourishing lipstick like Aloe Vera Extract, Organic Shea Butter, Organic Argan Oil, Coconut Oil, Jojoba oil, Avocado Oil, Vitamin E along with powerful Ayurvedic wonder-ingredients like Tumeric Root, Holy Basil extract, Basil extract, Neem oil, Moringa Seed oil, Pumpkin Seed oil, Organic Pomegranate seed oil, and Organic Raspberry Seed oil.
What does this mean for you?
This unique combination of ingredients repairs dry cracked lips and keeps your lips hydrated whilst you look fabulous.
I find the properties of these natural ingredients fascinating. But it's NUDUS lipsticks "recipe" that makes the formulation so powerful.
Kiwi Seed oil is high in essential fatty acids, phytonutrients, Vitamins C and E. It’s remarkably effective in healing dry, cracked skin & treating eczema, psoriasis. This remarkable oil restores elasticity to ageing and damaged skin. Wheeee!
Aloe Vera extract is a well known moisturising, healing and soothing ingredient. It kills bacteria and reduces skin inflammation.
Organic Argan oil extremely high levels of Vitamin E and 80% fatty acids make it perfect for healing and protecting against premature ageing.
Organic Shea Butter is almost magical in its healing effects on many skin conditions (dryness, burns, stretch marks, ulcerated skin), it’s loaded with essential fatty acids, Vitamins E and D, pro-Vitamin A and stimulates the production of collagen. Yes!
Organic Beeswax literally draws moisture into the skin and seals it in,
Coconut oil contains healing vitamins A, C and E to help keep connective tissues strong and supple and aids in exfoliating the dead skin cells, making your skin smoother and softer.
Coral Seaweed Extract is rich in Iron, Zinc and Magnesium. It’s an excellent extract to strengthen the skin and reinforce the moisture barrier function of the skin.
Pumpkin Seed oil helps soothe, hydrate, protect and renew skin. High in zinc and vitamin C it helps maintain collagen levels. Pumpkin seeds have natural ex-foliates that help encourage cell turnover, making it an awesome ingredient for anti-aging
Tumeric Root Extract. The Holy Powder of India, turmeric is proven to heal skin infections and treat boils efficiently. It’s antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-carcinogenic properties plus nutrient goodness such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, iron, magnesium and zinc.
Neem oil has very powerful skin rejuvenating qualities and has an almost magical effect on chronic skin conditions such as, acne, psoriasis, eczema, cold sores, chronic dry skin, fungal infections and many more.
Moringa Seed oil is dubbed “ The Miracle Tree” and possesses moisturizing, antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, nourishing and anti-aging properties. The oil moisturizes and smoothes skin, delays wrinkling, lightens the skin tone, nourishes and protects the skin from free radical damage.
Organic Pomegranate Seed oil is regenerating to skin and nourishing to the outer epidermal layer, it can help with sunburn or chapped skin and improves skins elasticity.
Organic Raspberry Seed oil is extraordinarily high in Omega-3 and omega 6 fatty acids. Its high level of Vitamin E is known to give it an important role in skin repair and conditioning. The seed oil may act as a broad-spectrum UV-A and UV-B shield.
And the list continues. If you would like to read more in depth ingredient info click here.
4. NUDUS use Certified Organic Fragrance oils not synthetic parfum.
Manufacturers are not required to disclose specific fragrance ingredients on the product label. Instead the generic term “parfum” is listed, representing a potentially toxic cocktail of chemicals. Mostly it's not actual lavender (or rose or almond or a whole flipping fresh meadow) scenting soap, but a mix of synthetic chemicals linked to allergies and other health problems.
I do believe this crazy “trade secret” proprietary information is undergoing some reform thanks to an unprecedented move from industry giant Unilever.
EWG President and Co-Founder Ken Cook notes, "For the most part, personal care product companies and fragrance manufacturers have resisted calls for disclosure, and “fragrance” has remained a black box for hundreds of chemicals in thousands of everyday products."
It is an unprecedented leap toward transparency for a major company and a big win for consumers’ right to know, says EWG President Ken Cook. “Unilever’s action is a game-changer for transparency in the personal care product market, and we expect other major companies to follow suit,” Cook adds. If you’re interested in reading more about this new found transparency from industry giant Unilever, click here.
5. NUDUS pigments are luscious and long-lasting.
It won’t stick to your lips for 24 hours ... and you will leave a lipstick mark on your coffee or tea cup. But that’s a small price to pay to save your lips from other moisture-sucking formulas that suffocate your lips in order to provide “long lasting” staying power.
NUDUS certified organic lipstick pigments are deep, the colours are lush and they are the longest-lasting 100% natural lipsticks I have found on the market. This is because they use a special mix of Ayurvedic pure bioactive colour extracts from flowers fruits, herbs and minerals. Ayurvedic what? Ayurveda is believed to be one of the oldest healing systems originating in India over 5000 years ago. Each colour extract has a dual purpose of bioactivity (the effect of a given ingredient upon living tissue, in this case your luscious lips) and therapeutic function. These colour extracts have been chosen on the basis of their properties promoting preventative healthcare. The extracts not only provide longer lasting colours, but safer active moisturising properties, based on the technology of an ancient yet progressive traditional medicinal system. Cool huh. I’m in love. Mum would have been obsessed too.
This secret weapon rocks my world as it’s 100% natural certified organic aka safe, genuinely nourishes, feeds and heals my lips, and the colours look ah-mazingly gorgeous. So rock that red or coral lippy girls. And shout “hello, I’ve got my act together” even when you don't.
Keen to know more about my Secret Weapon's 1 and 2 ... Click here to read more.
With love,
Amanda
xxx
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** Please note that there are some Affiliate links in this story. When you purchase using an Affiliate link, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. The advice given is my independent professional opinion and commentary is not paid for.
