I first began researching natural cosmetics after accidentally spilling a bottle of liquid foundation all over my vanity table late one night. By the time I tried to clean it up the next morning it had stripped the paint right off my desk. To say I was shocked is an understatement. After all, I used this product on my face all day every day; it was made by a major cosmetics brand, and expensive, too. Shouldn't it be safe? That's when I turned to mineral makeup. Since that day 20 years ago, I've made it a point to learn as much as I could about healthy makeup alternatives - knowledge I can now pass on to you by sourcing the best natural cosmetics for JoyVIVA. Having said that, here are six ways that mineral makeup lines like Glo•Minerals and Image Skincare provide healthy, affordable, non-toxic options that can (and will) save your skin:

1. MINERAL MAKEUP IS ABOUT PROTECTION, NOT CORRECTION

Years of outdoor training on my road bike means that sun protection for my face, neck and hands is my number 1 priority. Rather than trying to "correct" skin damage once it's occurred, I've taken a protective approach with mineral makeup. While many products combine SPF into their formulas, even those that do not can provide a shield of sorts against UV damage. My current favourite is Glo•Minerals' Protective Liquid Foundation - Satin II. Talc-free and fortified with an age-busting antioxidant blend, this satiny liquid is also non-comedogenic (in a nutshell, non-pore-blocking), which is a must for me as I sweat heavily during training.

2. TOSS THE TALC

Found in innumerable products (most notably, baby powder), I was shocked when I learned that many studies have linked this innocuous-sounding ingredient to ovarian cancer and respiratory problems. Still used in an abundance of eye shadows, blushes and deodorants, I opted to toss the talc some time ago in favour of mineral makeup alternatives. Since I don't rely on the sun for my "colour", Glo•Minerals' cream blush gives me a healthy radiance during the long, dark Canadian winters. Best of all, besides being talc free, this mineral makeup is formulated with green tea extract - an antioxidant powerhouse.

3. LOSE THE LEAD

Banned in Canadian cosmetics, this harmful substance can still (shockingly) be found in trace amounts in foundation, lipstick, blush, concealer, eye shadow and sunscreen. A neurotoxin that has been linked to fertility problems, miscarriages and even brain and nervous-system damage, I decided if it was too toxic for gasoline (think: unleaded gas) it was probably best not to put it on my face. Instead, when I have a spot to conceal, I reach for ZO Skin Health's Correct & Conceal Acne Treatment, which is infused with healing tea tree oil, honey and rosemary leaf extract.

4. PITCH THE PETROLATUM

Looking for a great anti-aging moisturizer, I learned that petrolatum (often found in skin-care and hair products) is touted for its ability to lock moisture into the skin. The EU, however, considers it to be a carcinogen (a substance capable of causing cancer), and it is widely reported to cause allergies and skin irritation in some people. I decided to pitch it and, instead, looked for the best cosmeceutical lines on the market - which brought me to Forlle'd Hyalogy P-Effect Nourishing Cream. Perfect for dry, sensitive skin, it nourishes and softens while helping to make skin less sensitive and more elastic.

5. MOVE OVER MINERAL OIL

An ingredient in a variety of makeup and body products, this petroleum byproduct clogs pores and slows cell development. Often used in makeup removers and foundation, it prevents skin from breathing - which can exacerbate conditions such as premature skin aging and acne and cause undue stress on the liver where it must be broken down. Not good for someone like me who spends so much time exercising and training, I go for Glo•Minerals tint or foundation and Glo•Therapeutics Gentle Eye Makeup Remover, which is both anti-inflammatory and non-irritating.

6. SEND SYNTHETIC COLOURS SAILING

On our radar since the '80s when pioneering physician Doris Rapp started speaking about the connection of synthetic colours in our food to hyperactivity in children, these petroleum and coal derivatives are also used in many cosmetics. Suspected carcinogens and known skin irritants, the EU has already banned their use. I tend to be partial to tints like Glo•Minerals' Rosy Powder Cheek Stain while I'm training because it allows you to easily build the intensity of the colour and looks incredibly natural, with just a hint of that perfect rosy "flush". FIND WHAT WORKS FOR YOU If you are interested in experiencing the benefits of mineral makeup, shop our extensive line of mineral makeups now online at JoyVIVA. We are a collective of beauty and health professionals dedicated to providing the most up-to-date products and impartial advice.

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RECOMMENDED READING Is This Your Child? by Doris Rapp, M.D. With an encyclopedic knowledge of childhood disease, Rapp delves into the connection between behavioural, learning and health problems to toxins in our environment and food. The Safe Shoppers Bible by David Steinman and Samuel S. Epstein, M.D. A consumer’s guide to non-toxic cosmetics and more; this trusted guide has been on my shelf for 20 years now. Indispensable and enlightening. Not Just a Pretty Face: The Ugly Side of the Beauty Industry by Stacy Malkan Lead in lipstick? 1,4 dioxane in baby soap? Coal tar in shampoo? How is this possible? Malkan does some excellent investigative reporting in this shocking exposé on the beauty industry.