Be a green goddess: eco beauty advice

Q. Eco hair dye - does it exist?

Maria, Kent

A.  Aside from henna, which is the most natural form of hair colouring, there are constant developments in the hair dye market that are healthier for your hair, protecting your scalp and hair cuticles. Ammonia-free, they don't have the usual chemical whiff and tend to avoid other synthetic ingredients such as allergy-aggravating PPDs.

If you are looking for a home hair-dying kit then try permanent hair colour ranges from Daniel Field, Naturtint, or Tints of Nature, which contain certified organic ingredients, most of which you can buy directly online. Naturtint has also recently launched a one-stop-shop for hair colour and care essentials - visit www.naturesdream.co.uk. You can watch step-by-step videos with celebrity colour consultant Marc Ramos, offering advice on how to dye your ahir with ease. The company also has a UK Hair Colour Helpline, 0845 601 8129, answering all hair colour and care queries.

For a professional treatment, you can go to a hair salon such as Karine Jackson or Jigami in London or any Colourherbe salon. Schwarzkopf Professional also has a kinder range called Essensity, which you can ask for at any Schwarzkopf salon.

Q. Where can I buy eco-friendly bright and colourful eye makeup?

Lisa, Brighton

A. The future of natural makeup is bright and bold! You can buy from the high street with London's The Organic Pharmacy's range called Organic Glam. Colours include lovely turquoise blues and emerald greens in its Mineral Eye Shimmers collection (£17.62 for 3g). These are free from artificial preservatives or fragrances, containing purely 100% natural mineral powder. Its Liquid Shimmer Highlighter is particularly attractive with colour options in Pink ice, Silver ice or Warm gold, £18.55 for 5ml.

Naturally, Korres have some fabulously gentle and silky smooth yet effective shimmering colour eyeshadows and matching eye pencils that are stocked in many department stores, on the high street and online at Bath & Unwind, priced at £11 each.

Eye catching pastels from Dr Hasuchka are provided by online eco beauty retailer Pure Girl for £13.75. You can choose ‘Siennas' ‘Clouds' or ‘Blossoms' Duo Sets for £14.68 from Living Nature UK's online shop.

The high-performing, long-lasting Australian-born Nvey eco offer five colour eyeshadow sets for £31.50 that are organic certified by the Australian Government. The only downside is that they are not yet making refills so if you run out of one colour, you'll have to buy a separate pot for £14.

Natural waterproof mascara is still lacking from the eco beauty market but why not finish off with Lavera's Trend Sensitive volumising black/brown mascara? At £10.50 this mascara works a treat and can even be used on sensitive eyes. Paraben and heavy metal free, it uses natural extracts of organic jojoba & wild rose oils to prevent clumping. You can buy Nvey eco, Elsyambre and Lavera products and many more natural cosmetics online from Lovelula.com or SoOrganic.com.

You can also opt for other brands of mineral makeup, which you can find out more about here.

Q. I'm pregnant and want to buy a nice natural perfume that doesn't make me or my baby feel queasy but have no idea where to start! Can you help?  

Ruth, London

A. Most fragrance brands use manmade synthetic scents known as aroma chemicals. If you don't want to give up wearing perfume altogether during your pregnancy and the early months, then look out for and avoid DEHP, DEP or DIDP on the ingredients label.

Why not try natural fragrances that use pure flower essences? Korres new range of fragrances is free of parabens, mineral oil, silicone and ethanolamine, and is available from Beautyexpert.co.uk at £38 for 100ml. The Pepper, Jasmine, Gaiac Wood Oil Fragrance is particularly exotic and feminine. 

Jo Wood Organics offers two lovely 95% organic eau de toilettes in its beauty collection at £5.24 for 50ml. Florascent - while pricier at £60 for 60ml - is also worth a try as a little goes a long way with their floral fusions - you can buy them from Beauty Bazaar.

The Perfumery section of The Natural Store  provides exquisite and carefully selected brands such as Rich Hippie and Sharini Parfums Naturels.

If you want something truly special, try Enata's bespoke service of Eau de Parfum and Perfumed Oils as well as its ready-to-wear collection, with prices starting at £15 for 12ml.

About the author

Jen Marsden an eco journalist and author of Green Guide for Weddings. With an eye for cutting through ‘greenwash' she's quick to tell what's rot, what's not, and what's hot in the green arena.

Look out for the forthcoming Green Guide to Fashion & Beauty, a full-colour guide to being glam, gorgeous and green. Each chapter includes an accessible explanation of the social, ethical and environmental considerations of the fashion and beauty industries, offering greener options, and the low-down on the coolest planet-friendly style. With beautiful photography, case studies and advice from the experts, plus a comprehensive directory, it's all done with a light-hearted touch that guides, inspires and delights.

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