Spotlight On...Community Member
Jessa Blades
By Sarah F. Cox
For most of us concerned with sustainability,we know by now to read up on the ingredients in our food. High fructose corn syrup is usually a warning sign that an item might not be the best thing to eat. The same way that food activists have raised awareness for ingredients, Jessa Blades is trying to motivate women to look into what is in the make-up they use. As a make-up artist and beauty consultant, she researches her products to avoid harmful ingredients.
For those that haven’t researched make-up ingredients before, you may be surprised to learn about the types of synthetic chemicals used. We asked Jessa how she has learned what to use and what not to use and she explains that it is tricky, even for an expert. There are no labeling laws so she makes decisions on her own and is wary that even with organic make-up no one is regulating. An important resources to know about is the Cosmetic Safety Database where you can look up products for a toxicity rating.
For consumers that are attempting to make the switch to products that are healthier, Jessa recommends that you start slowly since the process can be overwhelming at first. “Think about what products you use everyday and just focus on cleaning those things up first,” she says,” I am learning as well.” She warns that marketing tactics can often get in the way of the quest for better products as more and more companies try to capture consumers with catch words like “natural.” She explains, “I used to think that if something was on the shelf at a store it must be okay. It is important to be more informed. With a big company that makes lots of products toxicity will vary a lot from one item to the next, so take everything on a product-by-product basis.”
Visit Jessa's website, Blades Natural Beauty, for more information.

Here are a few products Jessa recommends:
Physicians Formula Bronzer is available at drugstores and is inexpensive and easy to find. These products add just enough color- so that you don't need to be scared of it if you have never used a bronzer before.

For both men and women, Dr Bronners Liquid Soap is a classic that contains certified organic ingredients and is packaged in 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles. It is perfect for summertime and outdoor showers.

Shea Butter & Red Palm Lip Balm by Alaffia is a lip balm that supports a great company and the people of Togo West Africa who make it.

Interested in meeting more people like Jessa? Check out other profiles on our website!

About the Author
Sarah F. Cox is a Brooklyn-based writer and publicist that focuses on architecture, design, and sustainable causes.

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