Our endeavour to live better, greener lives has moved from buying organic vegetables and clothes to cosmetics as well. With the demand for natural cosmetics exploding, awareness is spreading fast and people are taking cosmetic safety seriously. Most important question: What type of green products are we looking for? Verve identifies the differences:

• Natural products - Some of the ingredients come from nature and are therefore non-synthetic. These products are not 100 per cent natural.
• All-natural products - All of the ingredients used come from nature. They are healthier than their conventional counterparts, since they don't contain any synthetic ingredients.
• Made with organic ingredients - Most of the ingredients meet ‘organic’ standard - which ideally means that there were no pesticides, chemicals, dyes, colours, or artificial fragrances used while making these products. They are optimal for people with sensitive skin.
• Organic products – Most of the ingredients used meet an ‘organic’ standard. They are made from mineral pigments and natural plant extracts.
• 100 per cent organic - They do not contain any harmful ingredients and help you retain your natural glow. They are produced naturally without the use of fertilisers and insecticides.

• These products have a shorter shelf life than our regular day to day products since they do not contain any preservatives.
• Organic, natural and mineral-based cosmetics can be used more frequently because they cause no harm to the skin.
• You reap the benefits of natural ingredients and can also boast of your cosmetics being environment-friendly.
• Eco-friendly cosmetics are also healthier by nature since they do not contain any synthetic ingredients.
• Natural make up is believed to last longer than the usual make-up.

Celebs unravel the greener side of their make-up and beauty rituals

SIMONE SINGH
Television actress and anchor
Forest Essentials-sugar soap, lip balms from Kiehl’s and Burt’s bees and Aveda’s cleansers are some of her favourites, “As for workouts, I don't gym because I don't enjoy the artificial environment, I'm starting to practice yoga on our terrace.”

MAITHILI AHLUWALIA
Store Owner, Bungalow 8
Maithili prefers natural products such as aloe vera to treat pimples and lip balm and cream de corps by Kiehl's with Dr Hauschka's eye cream.

RASHMI DOGRA
Owner, Fluke
The designer likes to use olive oil as a moisturiser during the winter. She prefers to apply natural orange juice to her face and aloe vera gel on her body when she is out tanning.

RITA DHODY
Naturopath, International fashion consultant
Absolutely anything that’s natural works for her! Fruit pulp on her face, along with honey and egg yolks, rose water, papaya and even grated almonds all depending on what her skin needs at the time-whether it’s firming, exfoliation or just a smoothening face pack. Her favourite is Vitamin C serum by Dr Seabag.

SUHANI PITTIE
Jewellery designer
Suhani prefers to use products from Lush as well as coconut body butter and organic loofahs from the body shop. Sometimes she even makes her own kohl at home.

AMRIT MAGHERA
Model
Amrit drinks a lot of herbal teas especially green tea, and believes in practicing yoga.

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