10 Ways to Be Pretty Green and Pretty Thrifty

Ancient Egyptians painted their eyes black with a kind of lead, Victorian women took arsenic to pale their complexions, and today many sun worshippers still gamble with skin cancer to achieve a "healthy glow." Knowingly or unknowingly, for centuries people have been risking everything for beauty. But lately hair-raising news of coal-tar shampoos, lead-laden lipsticks and mercury-rich mascaras have gotten many of us to reevaluate the lengths we should go for a comely appearance.

The Food & Drug Administration doesn't monitor the cosmetics industry as closely as food or drugs. Also, because these products consist largely of water or hydrosol, their overall organic content may be more than 95 percent, while still containing many synthetic chemicals. The USDA's organic certifications are currently not as meaningful to self-care products as they are for agricultural ones. Be sure to get what you pay for, and while using fewer beauty aids can shrink your expenses and chemical exposure, buying greener, safer products that serve many purposes is a good way to spruce up with less.

Protect yourself, the Earth and your bottom line with these 10 beauty tips from Sprig.

1. If It Ain't Broke…

If you are already using an affordable product that you love, check the Environmental Working Group's "Skin Deep" report to see if it's safe. The report also lists whether the company conducts animal testing and if it has signed the Compact for Safe Cosmetics.

2. Become One with the Guinea Pig

Getting your hair cut, colored, and coiffed at a salon can be a luxurious experience, but it doesn't have to cost like one. Letting stylists-in-training have a go at your locks at an Aveda Institute is a way to cut corners while being groomed with plant-based (though not certified organic) shampoos and products.

3. Less Is More

More uses, more money. Get more bang for your bottles of hair conditioner (by using it as shaving cream) and body lotion (to tame frizzy hair). Facial treatments like this petroleum-. paraben- and pthalate-free mud masque (sold at Walgreens and Walmart for $8.99) can also work on-the-spot as acne medication, and lipstick can do double duty as blush in a pinch.

4. Block, and Fake Right
Mineral-based sun protection (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) doesn't need chemicals to block the sun's UVA and UVB rays. Find one that meets your SPF and budget needs here. With the money you'll save on aloe, you might be able to afford this 84% organic drugstore bronzer for $10.95. 

5. See the Doc