Make your eyes look out of this world, but not by your mascara’s additives

Mascara is known to contain mercury, which is detrimental to brain development. It’s an approved cosmetic preservative regulated by the FDA, but some products pass the legal mercury limit of one part-per-million.

Fruit Pigmented Mascara by 100% Pure contains natural ingredients such as organic green tea, honey beeswax, and blackberry extract, which is safe on eyes and the environment. It comes in four different fruit pigmented hues, so finding one that works for you should be easy.

Correcting powder: you could be doing it all wrong

Correcting powder is infamous for its harmful additives. Talc, which is also found in baby powder, deodorant, eyeshadow, and blush, is a toxin that has been linked to ovarian cancer and respiratory problems.

Mineral Wear is a talc-free mineral correcting powder by Physicians Formula.

This safe alternative is a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, paraben-free, noncomedogenic (meaning it does not clog pores or cause acne) correcting powder that has been approved by dermatologists.

This product comes in four different shades, each containing unique color tones, to brighten, reduce redness and add warmth to the skin’s appearance.

The brand doesn’t give a “cakey” appearance on the skin, crease, or settle into lines, which creates an all-natural look.

Before you line up for this product, make sure to check for parabens

Parabens are used to stunt bacterial growth in food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. They’re known to disrupt the endocrine system, and have also been found in breast cancer tumors and tissues.

Although they are banned in Sweden and Japan, parabens are still allowed in U.S. products.

The 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil is paraben free, and a product of a well-known brand, Urban Decay.

Don’t get “lead” into using the wrong lipstick brand

In a 2013 study, the University of California, Berkeley tested 32 popular lipstick brands for lead and other heavy metals. Researchers found that 24 of them tested positive.

The pigments that give lipstick distinct colors are made from natural minerals, which are close in contact with harmful contaminants, such as lead.

Some products, even from the most well-known brands, contain high levels of harmful materials. This includes Maybelline Color Sensational (#125 Pink Petal), NARS Semi-Matte (#1005 Red Lizard) and Covergirl Continuous Color (#025 Warm Brick).

Amazonian Butter Lipstick by Tarte Cosmetics comes from a natural makeup line and contains no toxic chemicals. This product features murumuru butter, cupuacu butter, shea butter, jojoba seed oil and vitamin E. They all blend to give lips a firm, moisturized, soothed and softened feel and look.

If you’ve been nice this year, you don’t deserve coal

Coal tar is commonly found in dandruff shampoos to help soothe the scalp of itching and flaking skin. Normally, people intentionally seek coal-tar shampoos to cure their existing condition, but there are still some precautions to be aware of.

Side effects of coal tar include sensitivity to sunlight, increase in itching and possible burning.

Extreme possible side effects include rashes, swelling, or skin irritation, all for which you should consult a doctor immediately.

But, if you’re not in the market for dandruff shampoo, you most likely want a shampoo without coal tar. It’s a known carcinogen, and should most likely be avoided if it’s not being used as a treatment method.

John Masters Organics has a variety of shampoos, all free of coal tar, that are beneficial to hair. They also carry cleansing body washes, body milk, body butter, lotion and other organic products.

Celebrities such as Zooey Deschanel and Jessica Alba have spoken about John Masters products as a “must,” and “lovely.”

Hidden contaminants can appear in products you use everyday, and have long-term effects on your body.

Even though your body may never react to the ingredients in your makeup, there’s nothing wrong with playing it safe and switching to nature derived products.