Do you know what's in your favorite jar of face cream? Toxic Beauty just might enlighten you

Every day I write about green products, but really, how many of you out there have a degree in chemistry or has the time to do in-depth research and interviews in order to really understand each ingredient? This new book from Dawn Mellowship, just might be able to help you figure out the good, the bad and the ugly of beauty products. On average, Britains spend £120 per year on beauty products, but do we really appreciate the true cost of beauty? Do we know the whole truth about the beauty products we use or are we actively harming ourselves for the sake of vanity? Dawn Mellowship’s new book, Toxic Beauty is a compelling and timely read which provides the essential low-down on the products we use on a daily basis. Beauty products have become objects of art, beautifully packaged with alluring scents to entice us, but inside those appealing boxes lurks a cocktail of synthetic chemicals. There are over 100,000 chemicals registered in the European market, most of which have never been tested or barely tested for safety on humans, or their impact on the environment. Chemicals found in skin lotions, deodorants and hair dyes have been linked with tumours, cell mutation, allergies, reproductive complications, endocrine disruption and even cancer. Isn’t it about time we all paid more attention to exactly what goes into those eye shadows, body washes and lipsticks we love to use? With quotes from leading experts in the field and straightforward, stress-free natural beauty tips, Toxic Beauty is a truly fascinating look at the beauty industry and will open your eyes to what is really sitting in your makeup bag and bathroom cabinet. The book reveals: • Key chemicals you should avoidrn• Just how natural ‘organic’ beauty products really arern• A directory of natural brands Taken from the forthcoming book, expert author Dawn Mellowship has some of her top tips to help you get started on the road to becoming a more natural and healthy beauty:

• Use coconut oil or olive oil as a natural conditioner for your hair. Apply the oil when it’s dry and massage into your scalp. Wrap the hair, leave overnight and rinse thoroughly the following morning.
• Alternatively rub ½ cup of honey into your hair, leave on for 30 minutes (you may want to cover your head with a shower cap or wrap) and then rinse off, leaving your hair looking and smelling good enough to eat!
• For smooth silky pins, use a mix of jojoba and chamomile essential oil when you shave. Wait until you have been in the bath or shower for a few minutes to give the warm water a chance to wet and soften the hairs. Don’t use this method on dry skin or you may suffer from skin irritation.
• For a more natural alternative to everyday makeup remover, use almond, wheatgerm or jojoba oil to cleanse make-up from your face.
• For a relaxing bath, add dried or fresh herbs such as lavender, majoram, basil or lemongrass. Wrap them in cheesecloth tied with string, or place them in an old (but clean!) nylon stocking, tie the end in a knot and fasten under the water tap as you run the bath.

Switching to natural beauty products might seem a tad daunting at the outset, but with this book it becomes a whole lot simpler. Think of it as your very own natural beauty consultant in the comfort of your home, at your beck and call, and without the hefty price tag. Toxic Beauty is available online at Amazon.