1. What types of eco-divalicious things do you do in your daily life?

As an eco-makeup artist and natural beauty expert I believe it is important that we all start taking responsibility not only for what we ingest, but also for what we apply topically to our skin. In using my 20 years’ experience in the world of high fashion and beauty, I want to inspire women to make greener, healthier choices by eliminating synthetic ingredients and preservatives from the products they use. My uniquely Green Makeup Kit consists entirely of eco-conscious, authentically natural cosmetics, which I use and work with daily to create flawless and sophisticated looks that are as safe for the environment as they are good for the skin. When I am on my own and not working, I enjoy going to the beach every morning with my dog to enjoy the beauty of the sunrise. I shop locally at my farmers market and only use/consume products that are free from unnecessary chemicals and toxins.

2. How do you apply being an EcoDiva (some one who is stylish and cares about the environment) to your business?

As a professional makeup artist I have disposed of all traditional cosmetics and replaced my kit with only eco-friendly non-toxic makeup. As a part of my mission I feel that it is important to show all of my clients and every woman and girl out there that you can still be stylish, gorgeous and green.

I launched a brand new website in October of 2009 that reflects my experience and knowledge of working within the high fashion and beauty world (www.christycoleman.com) to offer readers, beauty addicts and eco-fashionistas alike a unique natural beauty and wellness resource with a high fashion look and feel. My mission is to not only work to change the face of how natural beauty and makeup is perceived, it is also to prove that clean, green makeup, skin care, and hair care on the market today can work as well and look as gorgeous as traditional versions. There is no need to compromise health for high style.

I recently created a stylish 100% Organic Cotton Canvas Makeup Bag that was inspired by my necessity to have a more distinguished and eco-friendly way to carry my green makeup kit.  I was looking for something that was just as ecologically sound as the products that are stored within them. These bags are also great because they are washable, so it is easy to keep your makeup bag clean and ready to go.

3. What made you decide to get into Eco-design?  And what makes your work special?

Having a background in skincare as a professional aesthetician before I became a makeup artist has always made me aware of the importance and benefits of using food grade ingredients on the skin. Our skin is one of our largest organs where over 60% of what is applied to it is absorbed. Watching my father pass from A.L.S. inspired me to decide to make the switch to eco-friendly makeup, eliminating harmful chemicals to protect my clients and myself from unnecessary ingredients that are often found in conventional makeup. I can create any look from the New York, Paris and Milan runways – dramatic and bold or quiet and subtle with rich and vibrant colors with all eco-friendly makeup. It certainly can be glamorous being green!

4. What fun, fabulous and fashionable tips do you have to share with other EcoDivas and EcoDivas-in-training?

Making your own body scrubs, lip scrubs and body oils are some of the most luxuriously efficient, cost effective and healthiest ways to treat your body with its exact needs. For example, if you have sensitive skin you can create a body scrub with raw organic sugar and jojoba oil as apposed to organic coarse salt so that you are still able to get a good scrub without being too harsh on your skin.

5. (To help alleviate eco-anxiety – no one can do everything, but everyone can do something)  What’s one thing you can’t quite give up or change to be more eco (yet)?

Waterproof mascara and lash glue are two products that I still cannot live without when I am working. Both still have yet to be reformulated with toxic FREE ingredients. As soon as there is an effective alternative, I will be making my switch!

http://christycoleman.com/about