I happen to feel that makeup in general has gotten a bad rap these days because, truthfully, it is can commonly be littered with poisons.  The idea that many lipsticks are full of lead  in toxic amounts is enough to make the average woman cringe.  Even sunscreen can poison your body if its chock full of oxybenzone. Why should we have to deny ourselves the ability to play with beauty artfully to be virtuous and healthy?  How do we find a happy medium between gorgeous and safe, between natural and effective?

Enter celebrity makeup artist Chantal Moore, the most incredible and incredibly well-informed, grounded and conscious beauty expert I could hope to meet in Hollywood who has many secrets to share about beauty, products and the key word: balance.  Get ready to revolutionize your beauty routine!

Ok, Chantal, first of all, I am thrilled to be talking to you about this subject because I, too, struggle with the makeup vs. health/wellness issue where lots of chemical additives are concerned.  First of all, as I sit here in sunglasses with no makeup on, how do you feel about sunscreen? I feel very guilty that I don’t!

Chantal: Protect your eyes! Those sunglasses are important.  There are real benefits as well as dangers involved in sun exposure.  Vitamin D deficiency is becoming a real problem.  I advocate both taking natural supplements and sitting in the sun for a couple of minutes a day.  If it feels good, your body may need it!  I try to use light fabrics to get some degree of protection, some sleeves during the day and wear hats, so I can minimize the use of sunscreen.  If you are looking for a sunscreen, you can check the brands you are interested in online (THIS is a good place to look) to make sure you know what you are putting on your skin if you are concerned.

This is really fascinating to me- how do you find products that are natural and are comparable to high-end “non-natural” makeup which, in some cases, is just flawless in its application? 

Chantal: We are our own artistic expression, and we have to find the way to balance our options. I have a 100% green makeup kit for clients who do not want anything that is not completely organic, natural and eco-conscious to touch their skin. I also have a kit that is packed with the best of high-end products that are “not as natural”  blended with the best of organic.  These days, I do not need to compromise performance in products for the sake of being more natural since I have found more natural product lines available are also excellent performers. I like to balance the two, but I tailor what I do to my client’s needs. That’s what I suggest everyone should do, find their own balance.

Mineral makeup. Big topic in the “natural” makeup world.  How do you feel about that? 

Chantal: I was so excited when it first became popular, since I am personally committed to the most organic I can be for myself.  Mineral makeup caused cystic acne breakouts.  It took some research to learn that bismuth found in many popular mineral makeup brands caused this reaction.  You can find bismuth-free mineral makeup.  Larenim makes a line that is bismuth-free that is worth checking out.

I have a personally bought high-end “pure” tinted moisturizer  that turned out to be very toxic when I looked it up online.  It was a bummer. Are their ways to use concealer and foundations that are actually what they say they are? 

Chantal: Tarte is an amazing company that has a website that details what is and what isn’t in each of their products so you can shop with awareness.  I use the Maracuja concealer, and they do have a great tinted moisturizer.  Tarte’s new Amazonian Clay Foundation is fantastic.  My favorite blushes are also from Tarte.

As I sit here without a stitch of makeup on, what are the few things I should actually do to look better before leaving the house?!

Chantal: First of all… Exfoliation!  Spring brings new rituals, and exfoliation is the key to anti-againg, acne-fighting, all of it.  Exfoliation brings the glow back.  Either do it yourself or get an aesthetician to do it.  You will feel better and get the cell turn-over happening.  Even if you don’t put makeup on daily, always exfoliate.  I use my Clarisonic brush in the shower.  Clarisonic brushes are not cheap, but they are worth every penny.

I’ve had mine for six years, so I consider it an investment! What about daytime eyebrows? I have tried filling in the gaps in mine and looked like a clown during the day!

Chantal: Fill in your brows with a powder that is a shade lighter than your eyebrows and follow the natural line. Don’t “paint” them on. The other routine I think is essential for everyone is curling your lashes.  Curled lashes make a huge difference.  It opens up your eyes.  Even if you don’t put mascara on, the effect is awesome.

Are their “healthy” mascaras? 

Chantal: Lavera is a fantastic company with a broad product range. Lavera Intense Volumizing Mascara is a natural ingredient mascara that works. 100% Pure makes a fruit pigmented mascara and they have an amazing full range product line.

Any other secret tips? 

Chantal: I love Dr. Hauschka.  This is dreamy and it is a makeup kit secret weapon : Dr. Hauschka’s Rose Cream.  I am a believer in sulfate-free hair care and I use Giovanni shampoo; its hard to find brands that work well.  Oh, and I love Lavanila deodorant because it is aluminum free and actually WORKS.

In terms of healthy beauty, I think its a process of doing your own research and trying a few well-reviewed products to find what works for you.  After all, you aren’t being eco-friendly or conscious if you are continually buying and not using or tossing products because they don’t work!  I think we should all be conscious about spending as well.  I believe in certain products that are indispensable, but not everything needs to be expensive to work well.  Once you become aware of what works for you, it becomes second nature to sift through the shelves and find what you are looking for!

This was illuminating, inspiring and so exciting Chantal! Thank you so much!!! 

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Chantal Moore  works closely with some of the biggest names in music, fashion and film. Her beauty and makeup advice regularly appears in such magazines as InStyle and Glamour, and she has appeared on television as a beauty expert for E! Entertainment Television, The Style Network and Fine Living Network. In 2009, she became Beauty Editor for the online lifestyle magazine Tangerine Living. In 2010, Chantal appeared on the MSN.com Kellogg’s Special K-sponsored series The Victory Project as resident Beauty Expert. Look for her on the NBC series Fashion Star on Tuesday nights (tonight!!!) when she lends her beauty expertise to the design team.

If you want to read much more of Chantal Moore’s genius tips and grounded, gorgeous beauty philosophy, you can watch videos of her in action on her website.  You can also keep up with her daily on Twitter and Facebook.

Exciting, expansive & beautiful stuff! xoxo Dana