Okay, you've spotted my weakness.  I adore putting edible things on my skin. As a professional makeup artist, I had become accustomed to using products on my clients' faces that I would NEVER in a MILLION years put in my mouth. Like many folks working in the beauty industry, I once believed that in order for a product to work well, it had to be nearly or entirely toxic. 

I'm happy to report that those days are simply over.  There are so many green options now that to continue to use mainstream makeup is just as irresponsible as accepting a plastic bag to contain your two movie rentals. I mean, really! Who can't manage to hold TWO dvds on their way home? Tell me who these people are, and I'll carry their movies for them!

But I digress. I stumbled upon 100 Percent Pure Cosmetics [1] while doing makeup for a green fashion show. Their blushes are fantastic, and are fruit pigment-based, rather than mineral-pigment based. I like choices, and until then, my green makeup kit was stocked with only loose minerals. I made a note to investigate everything their company offered, and I'm making excellent progress.

Which brings me to my new favorite bronzer! It's made of cocoa powder and cocoa butter, it's pressed, it's completely clean, it smells great, and looks great, too. You can buy the little vegan Kabuki brush if you need one, or you can use your regular bronzer brush. You do have a bronzer brush, don't you? I prefer them flat and dense, but if I'm in a rush, I'll grab a mini blush brush, which does the trick, too. But you must NEVER use the same brush for your bronzer that you use for your blush. Promise!  

The chocolate bronzers [2] come in three shades: Honey, Brown Sugar, and Cinnamon. If you naturally tan deeply, then Cinnamon's the one for you. If you're fair, choose Honey, and if you're middle of the road, you're a Brown Sugar, Sugar!

Tip: If you're used to using department store makeup, you're probably used to using copious amounts of bronzer to conquer your wimpy pallor. But a little goes a long way, here... it's chocolate powder, after all, with coffee and some lovely fruits added. It's going to give you color! You may choose to go a shade deeper than normal, and that's okay, just BLEND like the wind. 100 Percent Pure has a great return policy, too — if you hate it, or just choose the wrong color, you're in the clear. You can find their products on their website 100percentpure.com [2] and you can often find super package deals on QVC's website, as well.

I encourage everyone reading today to make a small, sincere vow. Promise yourself that you are going to pursue TOTAL HOTNESS, without sacrificing your health or the planet. Don't be the girl in the video store swinging a plastic bag. Be the girl who knows better, and smile the whole way home.