The 22 Best Green Beauty Products of 2015
30 hair, makeup, and skin pros weigh in on the natural wonders of the beauty world.
By Ashley Flor
For ELLE's ninth annual eco awards, 30 hair, makeup, and skin pros weigh in on the natural wonders of the beauty world, from a blush that's a photo-shoot regular to a wrinkle blaster beloved by derms. This article originally appeared in the July 2015 issue of ELLE.
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1Hellin Kay
The judges panel
Our panel of the country's top hairstylists, makeup artists, and dermatologists tested the products you see here at photo shoots, on the red carpet, at runway shows, and on their derm office patients. Each Green Star must be powered by natural ingredients, such as antioxidants and retinol derived from botanical sources; free of parabens, phthalates, and sulfates; and sustainable (avoiding non-responsibly sourced palm oil and petrochemicals).
Makeup artists: Kristen Arnett, Taylor Chang-Babaian, Katey Denno, Suzy Gerstein, Nico Guilis, Marcie Lakin, Lottie, Gabbi Pascua, Fiona Stiles, Anna Webber.
Hairstylists: Jen Atkin, Bethany Brill, Aaron Grenia, Chase Kusero, Dhiran Mistry, James Pecis, Aviva Perea, Amoy Pitters, Vanessa Price, Allison Woodruff.
Dermatologists: Leslie Baumann, MD; Annie Chiu, MD; Doris Day, MD; Jeanine Downie, MD; Dendy Engelman, MD; Allison Hanlon, MD; Rosemarie Ingleton, MD; Debra Jaliman, MD; Ellen Marmur, MD; Noëlle Sherber, MD.
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2Hellin Kay
Juice Beauty Blemish Be Gone
Panel members praise Juice Beauty Blemish Be Gone, an on-the-go zit zapper that targets spots with willow bark–derived salicylic acid and anti-inflammatory aloe.
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3Hellin Kay
OCC Pure Cosmetic Pigments
Made from crushed minerals and semiprecious stones,OCC Pure Cosmetic Pigments (shown in Turquoise and Royal Blue) deliver a blast of intense matte color to lids.
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4Hellin Kay
John Masters Organics Honey & Hibiscus Hair Reconstructor
The soy protein and botanically derived hyaluronic acid in John Masters Organics Honey & Hibiscus Hair Reconstructor seal in moisture to reduce breakage when used as a weekly mask.
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5Hellin Kay
John Masters Organics Vitamin C Anti-Aging Face Serum
John Masters Organics Vitamin C Anti-Aging Face Serum protects skin from environmental nasties and promotes collagen synthesis with vitamin C and sea algae extracts.
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6Hellin Kay
Coola Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 30
Mattifying Coola Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 30 is enriched with moisturizing rose hip oil and tinted just enough to make skin look flawless, not makeup-y.
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7Hellin Kay
Pure Kelp & Mint Volumizing Shampoo
Big, bouncy hair starts with the right shampoo. The gentle coconut-based cleansers in 100% Pure Kelp & Mint Volumizing Shampoo remove all residue without stripping.
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8Hellin Kay
Antonym Noir Eyeliner
Soft, smudgy, and "blacker than black," according to one of our panelists, Antonym Noir eyeliner has been dermatologist tested and approved for use on the delicate waterline.
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9Hellin Kay
Dr. Bronner's Peppermint Organic Hair Crème
Applied like a leave-in conditioner, Dr. Bronner's Peppermint Organic Hair Crème ensures hair will remain frizz free until your next shampoo.
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10Hellin Kay
Ila Energising and Detoxifying Body Scrub
A prebikini buffing with Ila Energising and Detoxifying body scrub will smooth rough patches and stimulate circulation, courtesy of Himalayan salt crystals and zingy juniper berry oil.
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11Hellin Kay
Intelligent Nutrients Replenishing Hair Spray
A styling spritz that moonlights as a hair bodyguard, emollient-rich Intelligent Nutrients Replenishing Hair Spray contains natural polysaccharides that form a barrier to protect strands from daily wear and tear.
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12Hellin Kay
Jane Iredale Active Light Concealer
Moisturizing skin perfector Jane Iredale Active Light concealer hides dark circles and redness while it treats skin with antiaging white tea and soothing cucumber.
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13Hellin Kay
RMS Lip2Cheek
Thanks to a perfect ratio of glowy pigment to moisturizing coconut oil, RMS Lip2Cheek (shown in Promise) adds an equally alluring flush of color to face or lips.
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14Hellin Kay
Soleil Toujours Après Soleil Exotic Shimmer Body Oil
Calming green tea and healing argan oil boost the restorative properties of Soleil Toujours Après Soleil Exotic Shimmer Body Oil—but it's the paradise-island jasmine scent that provides true postbeach bliss.
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15Hellin Kay
True Natural Tropical Self Tan
True Natural Tropical Self Tan, which contains vegetable-derived DHA and a nourishing blend of essential oils, develops into a just-right hue—neither orange nor streaky—in three hours.
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16Hellin Kay
Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask
Packed with exfoliating fruit and vegetable enzymes, the decongesting and brightening Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask delivers super-smooth, radiant skin in under 30 minutes.
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17Hellin Kay
Acure Organics Argan Stem Cell Dry Shampoo
A sprinkle of cornstarch-based Acure Organics Argan Stem Cell Dry Shampoo at the roots builds bombshell volume—no heat tools or back-combing required.
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18Hellin Kay
Intelligent Nutrients Straight Hair Serum
Intelligent Nutrients Straight Hair Serum, with gloss-boosting essential oils, gives shape and shine to straight and curly hair, and can also be used as an SOS for 4 P.M. de-pouffing.
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19Hellin Kay
Ilia Lipstick
A three-time Green Star winner, Ilia Lipstick earns votes for its lush formula made of six nourishing oils and its well-edited 13-shade lineup of modern hues, such as Pink Kashmir, Ink Pot, Wild Child, and Voilà.
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20Hellin Kay
RMS Buriti Bronzer
Bronzer isn't just for creating a beachy glow: Creamy metallic RMS Buriti Bronzer melts into skin to mimic the soft-focus radiance of candlelight.
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