We had a one-on-one with Kristen Arnett, seasoned make-up artist and Founder of Greenbeautyteam.com, who is considered a beacon of light for both make-up tricks and green beauty tips.
|
How did you first learn that potential harmful ingredients are lurking in beauty and personal care products?
I was working in Milan as a makeup artist back in 2008 when I reconnected with a model friend of mine May Lindstrom (who is now the owner of an incredible natural skincare line). I watched as she eschewed normal toiletries in favor of slathering olive oil on her body and using little bottles of unmarked potions she carried around. Her skin looked incredible, and as I'd battled severe to mild acne since the age of 15 I wanted to know what she knew. Very non-judgementally she started teaching me about potential toxic chemicals in cosmetics that weren't helping my quest for beauty. So I slowly started converting over my lifestyle and after seeing amazing results in my own skin, I began the process of cleaning up my professional kit as well. What is one fact about the beauty industry that you always seem to share with others? That it's all smoke and mirrors. There's very little that isn't an illusion. You must go deeper than the marketing messages brands throw at you and not take things at "face value" - pun intended. What made you want to get involved with the Clean Beauty Awards? I fully support the idea of private individuals stepping up, where government and many brands won't, to create a way for others to sort through illusory marketing messages and find true value for their health and beauty. As a committed expert in this field of clean beauty, I hope to help consumers make powerful choices. |
What inspired you to create the Green Beauty Team?
Being a professional makeup artist, whether I’m on a photo set or chatting at a dinner party, women of every age are curious to know, “what will make me look my best?”.
Once I started using natural products in my work and on myself, I was surprised at how many women said they wanted to change over their products to more natural versions too, but couldn’t find any expert information about what really worked and what didn’t.
Continuing to be barraged with questions about makeup, skin care, hair care and even nutrition, I wanted there to be one place to send everyone for accurate and helpful information, written by professional experts about choosing the best in Green Beauty. So I created it!
What is your personal mantra/motto that keeps you inspired or motivated?
I have so many mantras depending on the day or week, but really it all comes down to love, respect and compassion for the Self and everyone else. I care so deeply that people live better. Through my work I've been honored to be the catalyst for transformation. Seeing someone's internal light shine brighter because of work we did together (whether through makeup, body health, or mental well-being) is the most incredible motivation I could ever have.
What is one advice you would give to your younger self?
Stop thinking you aren't enough of anything and just BE, FEEL, ACT from inspiration, confidence, openness and purpose. I like to think that's the direction my sails are pointed these days and I do my best to live that way.
Connect with Kristen on Twitter, she would love to hear from you: @GreenBeautyTeam #cleanbeauty14
Being a professional makeup artist, whether I’m on a photo set or chatting at a dinner party, women of every age are curious to know, “what will make me look my best?”.
Once I started using natural products in my work and on myself, I was surprised at how many women said they wanted to change over their products to more natural versions too, but couldn’t find any expert information about what really worked and what didn’t.
Continuing to be barraged with questions about makeup, skin care, hair care and even nutrition, I wanted there to be one place to send everyone for accurate and helpful information, written by professional experts about choosing the best in Green Beauty. So I created it!
What is your personal mantra/motto that keeps you inspired or motivated?
I have so many mantras depending on the day or week, but really it all comes down to love, respect and compassion for the Self and everyone else. I care so deeply that people live better. Through my work I've been honored to be the catalyst for transformation. Seeing someone's internal light shine brighter because of work we did together (whether through makeup, body health, or mental well-being) is the most incredible motivation I could ever have.
What is one advice you would give to your younger self?
Stop thinking you aren't enough of anything and just BE, FEEL, ACT from inspiration, confidence, openness and purpose. I like to think that's the direction my sails are pointed these days and I do my best to live that way.
Connect with Kristen on Twitter, she would love to hear from you: @GreenBeautyTeam #cleanbeauty14
