Naturally Colorful Cosmetics- By Michelle Lina Patti

Now this is something that I am really excited about! 

Naturally Colorful Cosmetics, an all natural makeup line made in Florence, Italy, by my friend Michelle Patti.

A few days ago I sat down with Michelle to talk about her new adventure in the makeup industry and why she chose to take the all-natural path. Here is her story:

" I started the line while in need of inspiration,

and wanted to create a world for myself where

I could be messy, artistic and colorful.

The added bonus to the former is that I have

the opportunity to incorporate my love of invention, chemistry and design to this adventure.

I invent and modify the recipes in order to offer

you a high-quality, all natural product which

is gentle enough for all different skin types."

- Michelle Lina Patti

Founder of Naturally Colorful Cosmetics

What I love about Naturally Colorful Cosmetics is the simple ingredient list. Michelle uses only a few ingredients in her products for a maximum healthy and natural result that is gentle enough for all different skin types and the ingredient list is very simple. In other words, you don't have to google the names of the ingredients to understand what the product is made of. 

All Lip gloss and Lip Stains are infused with vitamin A and E, which leaves them hydrated and soft. The difference between the lip stain and gloss is that the stain has a thicker consistency with a fuller cover and rich colors, while the gloss is thinner and has a great shine. 

I use the stain for a dramatic look and the gloss for a romantic natural effect. Either way, you'll end up with kissable lips with both products!

Michelle also makes mineral blush and eye shadows in all different types of shades. The best part about these mineral powders is that they are versatile. Mixed with water they can be used as vibrant eye liners, the golden shade can be used as a highlighter and if used as-are they give a really natural and subtle look.

If you want to know more about the line you can follow michelles instagram page @nc_cosmetics_by_mlpatti
or visit her etsy store.

Sunscreen

For most of you, summer has just arrived or is just around the corner, which means vacation, beach days and fun in the sun! Now, most of us know how important it is to keep our skin protected from the sun and even though sunscreen consumption is higher than ever, the skin cancer rate is at the same time increasing. In fact, scientist have found very little evidence that sunscreen prevents most forms of skin cancer. 

So here are a few things to think about before heading to the beach.

Most of the sunscreens contain ingredients like oxybenzone and retinyl palmite. Oxybenzone is UV filter but also a hormone disruptor and allergen. Retinyl palmite is an antioxidant that fights skin aging. It is also a form of vitamin A that can be harful for the skin. Studies show that it may cause development of skin tumors and lesions when applied to the skin while exposed to sunlight. Despite these evidence, sunscreen products are still allowed to claim they help prevent skin cancer.

Don't be fooled by high-SPF sunscreens. Just because a sunscreen might have an SPF rate of 50+ doesn't mean that you shouldn't apply it as often as an SPF 15. In fact, higher SPF ratings don't offer that much of a bigger protection.

Stay away from sprays. Sunscreen sprays are very popular but pose an inhalation risk and may not provide a thick and even enough coating to protect the skin.

Find a sunscreen that protects from UVB and UVA rays. Not all sunscreens offer a protection for all types of UV damage. High-energy UVB rays only make up 3-5 % of the UV radiation that strikes the earth. UVB rays primarily burn the skin and cause damage to the skin DNA, however, a good sunscreen should also protect the skin from lower-energy UVA rays that penetrate deep into the skins dermis (the thickest layer of the skin).

EWG just released their 10th annual sunscreen guide  where you can find more information about sunscreens and ratings of the best and worst sunscreen products. 

I am currently using a natural / biodegradable sunscreen from Caribbean Solutions with the SPF 15, who also have a great self tanner to safely enhance your tan or keep you bronzed all year round. 
To protect my lips from getting burned I use Hurraw! Sun Balm with SPF 15.

My Sunscreen Products