Myth: Buying Beauty Products Is a Gamble

Pure Truth: If you want to avoid buying products that simply don’t work, being an educated consumer is your best bet. For best information on cosmetics ingredients in US, go to http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-prd.html, FDA site. This site also has information on labeling & label claims.

There are also several websites with product reviews, done by independent consumers, just like you. The best sites will post reviewers’ information, so you can get an idea if reviewer’s skin type, age etc. is similar to your own. Two review sites are http://www.cosmeticconnection.com and http://www.emakemeup.com/reviewboard/cgi-bin/main.cgi. You may also try various message boards devoted to beauty. These boards are a great place to get information on new products or companies before you buy. And reputable companies will allow exchanges and refunds. If company you are considering doesn’t, look for another... In competitive beauty game, you can always find a company that is more like to cover your bet.

So what's answer for ecologically-conscious menstruating woman? Reusable menstrual products, of course. Instead of a tampon, women can use earth-friendly, reusable menstrual cup, called The Keeper, made from gentle rubber, similar to rubber that is used to make baby bottle nipples. Besides being easy on environment, The Keeper is easy on pocketbook; one cup should last up to 10 years. And since it is made of rubber, rather than of an absorbent fibrous material, such as rayon, it can be worn up to 12 hours before being emptied. On heavy days, you may want to change it more often. The fact that The Keeper is not made of rayon, or any other synthetic material, also reduces potential for Toxic Shock Syndrome and eliminates dioxin exposure. (Are you aware that FDA does not require manufacturers of tampons or pads to list their products' ingredients in or on box?)

But some women want a reusable - but not an insertable - menstrual product. The answer: reusable menstrual pads like Glad Rags, made from organic cotton that, like The Keeper, can be used for years and will be friendly to environment.

For these reasons, reusable menstrual products are probably THE MOST ENVIRONMENT-FRIENDLY OF ALL!