Who wore what and how good it was for them
Even if you’re not into the 84th Annual Academy Awards, which happened last night, the Oscars award show is an interesting sample of clean, green, chemical-free beauty and eco-friendly style. Celebrities are, for better or worse, some of the most influential people on the planet, so their endorsement of a chemical-free and eco-friendly lifestyle is important.
But first, why is a chemical-free or eco-friendly lifestyle important to happiness? Chemicals in skincare and cosmetics can have disastrous effects, ranging from severe brain damage or cancer to minorly annoying skin conditions. If you can alleviate any potential suffering, you will be healthier and happier in the long run. Eco-friendly products are more about long-term sustainability, so it’s harder to see immediate happiness benefits. But sometimes doing the right thing can just make you feel good, and that’s equally important to happiness.
Without further ado, all that’s good, green, and clean from the 2012 Academy Awards.
BEAUTY
Gwyneth, Cameron, Natalie, and Penelope all wore clean beauty on the red carpet, but we don’t know the exact products. Gwyenth has talked about her natural beauty products in her GOOP newsletter; Natalie is a serious vegan. We’ll keep you posted! (image from Josie Maran Cosmetics, who posted details on how to copy the looks on her blog, chicological.com)
HAIR
Presenter Tina Fey used Remington’s new line of Keratin Therapy tools, which infuse hair with Keratin to give it the same sleek look as a Keratin treatment but don’t include the nasty formaldehydes and other chemicals. Remington’s celebrity stylist Richard Marin shares with us how to get the look:
“I actually began Tina’s hair on Saturday night for a “the night before” party! Blow drying with Remington’s new Keratin Therapy Dryer, I sprayed heat protectant and used a round medium sized brush. With the 1.5 inch Remington Keratin Therapy Clipless Curling Iron I took sections of hair and created soft 40s inspired waves. On Sunday, I had her not touch her hair at all so she had the perfect second day blowout! After adding some extensions and reviving her curls with the curling iron, I brushed it up into a high ponytail and then created a loose, textured bun. I pinned it into place finishing with a spritz of hairspray to control flyways, and off she went!”
Viola Davis’s au naturale look is worth mentioning as well—the number of chemicals in relaxers and straighteners for black women’s hair is ridiculous. Choosing to go short, curly, and natural was an incredible style statement that wowed.
FASHION
Missi Pyle (star of Best Picture winner The Artist) wore a sustainable gown with incredible details. Made from silk peace chiffon, recycled polyester, and natural mineral dye, the gown was designed by Valentina Delfino, winner of the Red Carpet Green Dress design contest founded by Suzy Amis Cameron.
Meryl Streep wore a glittering gold Lanvin gown made from eco certified fabric to accept her Best Actress award for The Iron Lady.
Livia Firth wore a red eco Valentino made from silk and recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic from soda bottles.
Colin Firth recycled his Tom Ford tux—he’s worn it before to the awards!
GIFTS
The nominees in major categories who didn’t win received non-toxic, food safe kitchen products from Essential Safe Products in their “Everybody Wins at the Oscars®” nominee gift baskets. The baskets include reusable items like produce bags, stainless steel snack containers, and bamboo utensil sets. Susan Masimore started ESP because she wanted to spread the word about toxins and give families a place where they can confidently purchase non-toxic products for the kitchen and on-the-go.
All Academy Award nominees and presenters took home an “Academy Awards Celebrity Gift Box” from Green PolkaDot Box. The recycled boxes held 48 organic products, like Eden’s Pumpkin Seeds, Vermont Soap’s Oatmeal Lavender bars, and St. Dalfour’s Black Raspberry Conserves.