1. Look for products with minimal packaging.  Be wary of overpackaged items such as boxed gift sets. 

2. Look for packaging that has been, and can be, recycled.  Look for the recycle labels on the bottom of glass and plastic bottles.  Also look for labels that indicate the recycled content of cardboard, plastic and glass. 

3. Avoid products containing petrochemicals.  This is difficult to do, but worth it as petrochemicals are a common cause of allergies.

4. Look for plant-derived products, but we careful if you have sensitive skin.  Some plant-derived ingredients can be quite potent and can irritate sensitive skin.  Do some research online before you buy.

5. Avoid trace chemicals and pesticides by looking for cosmetics that contain organic ingredients.

6. Beware of added fragrances!  Inhaled artificial scents are a major problem for asthma sufferers.  If you do like a bit of frangrance, look for products that are scented with plant-derived pure essential oils instead ofd synthetic fragrances.

7. Choose inorganic suncreens when looking for sun protection.  Basically, inorganic sunscreens that rely on zinc oxide or titanium dioxide reflect and scatter the UV radiation.  Other organic sunscreening agents work by absorbing the UV radiation and dissipating it as heat.  These organic chemicals not only irritate skin but are a potential health risk due to their effects on your endocrine system!

Hit the jump for the full list, which also recommends avoiding GMO ingredients, coal tar, and a bunch of other stuff that'll have you plugging the aisles reading ingredients labels when buying your next concealer.

» The Sydney Morning Herald