Naturally Based Pro Kit: Geri G Cosmetics
I do makeup professionally every. single. day. So, as you can imagine, my hunt for makeup is never-ending,
Since I specialize in clean beauty, my options don't necessarily include a simple trip to Sephora or Ulta.
While conglomerate stores like Sephora have made strides in offering clean options, some of us have higher/more strict standards that require us to do some research and vetting before purchasing a brand.
I recently had the blessing of connecting with Geri G, a celebrity makeup artist with her own cosmetic line.
Of course I did, I know--a girl after my own heart!
I immediately loved the clean, professional packaging and fun lip colors. The mascara smells like fresh-cut roses too--who wouldn't love that?
There are however, a few ingredients in her products that I would typically avoid. Most of them rank low on the EWG toxicity scale (between 2-3), but there are a few that rank as high as a 5 or 9.
1: Dimethicone (rank 1-2 on EWG also called polymethylsiloxane) is a silicon-based polymer used as a lubricant and conditioning agent.
2: Sodium Hydroxide (rank 3 on EWG) is a highly caustic and reactive inorganic base used as Denaturant; pH Adjuster (buffering). It can cause moderate concerns such as organ system toxicity (non-reproductive) to low concerns like Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs).
3: Retinyl Palmitate (rank 9 on EWG) is an ester ingredient composed of palmitic acid and retinol (Vitamin A). Data from an FDA study indicate that retinyl palmitate, which is a saturated fatty acid that is a major component of palm oil. Retinyl palmitate is easily absorbed by the skin and once it is there is converted into retinol. When applied to the skin in the presence of sunlight, may speed the development of skin tumors and lesions. FDA, Norwegian and German health agencies have raised a concern that daily skin application of vitamin A creams may contribute to excessive vitamin A intake for pregnant women and other populations.
4: Tocoperyl Acetate (rank 3 on EWG due to easily contaminated sources) is a form of vitamin E, a natural skin-conditioning agent and antioxidant. It is the ester of acetic acid and tocopherol and is often used as an alternative to pure tocopherol (or undiluted vitamin E) because it is considered more stable and less acidic.
5: Propylene Glycol (rank 3 on EWG) is a small organic alcohol commonly used as a humectant/skin conditioning agent or fragrance. It has been associated with irritant and allergic contact dermatitis as well as contact urticaria (hives) in humans; these sensitization effects can be manifested at propylene glycol concentrations as low as 2%.
It is a penetration enhancer, meaning it’s a carrier for other chemicals, bringing them into your skin and your bloodstream. It's a known skin irritant, it has been shown to cause cancer in lab tests, a possible endocrine disruptor, and a possible neurotoxin. You can find it in over 3000 products, including lotions, deodorants, sunscreen, shampoo, conditioner and body washes.
6: Paraffin (rank on 3 EWG) s a solid mixture of hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum used to thicken the oil portion of cosmetics and personal care products and help keep emulsions from separating into their oil and liquid components. These waxes lessen the brittleness of stick products and add strength and stability to lipsticks. Petroleum is mineral oil and it contains 1,4-Dioxane, which has been listed by the World Health Organization and the Environmental Protection Agency as a probable carcinogen. It seeps existing moisture from your skin, and prevents moisture from being absorbed. Don't let the low rank fool you, this ingredient is harmful to your skin and health.
7: Triethanolamine (rank 5 on EWG) is used to raise the pH of certain mixtures, as well as acting as an emulsifier (to help various ingredients mix better). This chemical is usually colorless or light yellow, and can have a faint ammonia odor. It is known to cause high toxicity in human organs.
8: Tetrasodium EDTA (rank 2 on EWG) is a water-soluble ingredient used in small amounts as a chelating agent incosmetics and personal care products because of its ability to sequester metal ions and allow them to remain in formulas but lose their ability to react with other ingredients. This makes the overall formula more stable.
While it does have a contradictory history in the way it's made, the final chemical is not a carcinogen. Some animal studies have found Tetrasodium EDTA have reproductive effects, however, only at very high doses--because it's able to bind with metals, high doses are thought to pull zinc out of the body, causing deficiency and therefore illness. This is not a risk when used in cosmetic items and only shows fetal reproductive effects at high levels that are outwardly toxic to the mother.
9: Phenoxyethanol (rank 9 on EWG) is used as a preservative in cosmetic products and also as a stabilizer in perfumes and soaps.[1] Exposure to phenoxyethanol has been linked to reactions ranging from eczema[2] to severe, life-threatening allergic reactions.[3] Infant oral exposure to phenoxyethanol can acutely affect nervous system function.[4]
That said, I think the Geri G line would be a great option from someone just entering the world of green beauty--someone who is just beginning to transition their makeup. I believe all good choices are a step in the right direction, and this could definitely be one!
The Transceutical Canvas is a unique product in that it acts as a brightener, skin balancer and primer in one. It creates a beautiful base under makeup and allows the skin/foundation to shine.
The Innocent Foundation comes in 4 colors: Light, Medium, Tan and Dark. These applied smoothly, wore all day without migrating, and did not dry to quickly or cause uneven areas. I tried each color on 4 different models, each with great results. This would be good for daily wear, or for professional photoshoots.
The Ultra Plush Mascara has a great texture! It provides both length and volume to the lashes, smells like roses and is conditioning. I was a bit disappointed as it was irritating to my eyes after a few hours. It contains mineral oil (paraffin), which I react to, as well as 3 other moderate to high ranking ingredients on the above list.
The Lip Gloss Creme comes in 3 lovely colors: Sweetness, Peach & Bambe. I loved the Sweetness color for an everyday look. They aren't too sticky and the color shows up nicely for a liquid gloss.
I tried the Blending Powder Cheek/Eye Duo in Bashful/Glowing. The colors were great to add a high/low contrast to either the eyes or the cheeks, caught light beautifully and you only need a little bit at a time. Typical to most loose mineral products, this had great pigment and easy application.
Overall, Geri G is a good option! The foundations wear very well and offer good coverage that isn't heavy. The colors are easy to match and the Transceutical Canvas works great as a lightweight primer.
As I mentioned above, I would reserve a recommendation like this for those just transitioning to clean beauty options as I personally avoid some of the ingredients listed above. I believe in transparency and wish the ingredients were listed on the website, but love that everything is listed on the beautiful, minimal packaging. Geri G has done a good job of bridging the gap between professional products and clean-inspired formulations.
I would love to see what she could come up with if she took the brand a step further in the clean direction.
Be Healthy. Live Beautifully.
