There was a time, not that long ago, when the pickings were slim for natural makeup. Now there are more options than any one eco-gal can try, and we can thank companies like Ecco Bella, which started in 1992, for pioneering that market. Ecco Bella products are still among my favorite, despite the growing competition: their Flowercolor Natural Mascara is one of the better natural mascaras I’ve used, and I’m hooked on their Age Antidote Day Cream with UVA & UVB SPF 15 for my daily moisturizer. It’s light, creamy, slightly floral-scented and packed with vitamins and other organic goodness that keeps my skin smooth and protected. I don’t often wear foundation, but when I do it’s the company’s FlowerColor Natural Liquid Foundation (it’s affordable at $22.95 a pop, and doesn’t look cakey or greasy).
But it’s a new (to me, at least) item that really has me swooning lately: the Organic Dark Chocolate Face Mask. This stuff is good. It’s designed for sensitive skin, and isn’t too harsh, drying or heavy like some face masks can be. It looks, smells and feels like a decadent, thick chocolate mousse, which has led me to wonder if it was edible more than once during use. Apparently dark chocolate is as good for skin as it is for the soul—the mask is naturally rich in magnesium, iron, antioxidants and a number of vitamins. It’s best used after steaming the face (to open up pores and release toxins) and can be used on the neck, shoulders and chest in addition to the face for an all-over glow and firmer skin.
Like all Ecco Bella creations, it’s vegan, cruelty-free, all natural and organic (70 percent). At $24.95 a jar, this heavenly mask would make a perfect pampering gift for chocolate-loving sisters, friends and moms this holiday season. Or go ahead and treat yourself to a jar—one try and you’ll find your skin more a bit more luminous, and that you’re suddenly craving a scrumptious chocolate dessert.
Pick up Ecco Bella products at most health food stores, or by visiting eccobella.com.
