Selva Beat is an environmental lifestyle print and digital magazine based in Austin, Texas with an intention of changing the face of environmentalism through education and the promotion of equal representation simultaneously.
Editor in chief Magdalena Antuna is a creative director and eco-conscious make-up maven who has made it her personal mission to put environmentalism in a framework of creativity that makes being an environmentally woke woman accessible to everyone, regardless of race or background.
“When I was a kid, I did not think I could become an environmentalist because most of the women were not women of color,” says Magdalena, “so it is exciting for me now as a person who is ‘calling the shots’ to be able to make choices, like the models we choose and the people we feature to represent the diversity that I never got to see as a teenager and a young woman.”
So–why palm oil? What’s the problem?
Palm oil is an issue right now for a number of reasons. From deforestation coupled with animal endangerment, land grabs, displacement of indigenous people, pollution from mostly illegal slash and burn clearing of land and the fight for labor rights, the harvesting of palm oil is growing at a rapid rate.
Since it can only be sourced 10 degrees above or below the equator, the stretch of land from which the oil is being extracted is a limited, bio-rich patch. As an incredibly high yielding oil, it can be used in almost anything–additionally, it can be named over 200 ways, with one familiar label including Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, making it cheap to produce but incredibly dangerous for the eco-system in the long run.
By taking the legwork out of locating palm oil-free and vegan products, Selva Beat continues to make waves.
Issues are sold all over the United States, allowing its readers to have a unique experience every time with a diverse group of contributors focused on creating pieces that tell their own stories of how being environmentally friendly has changed them. Selva Beat’s online aesthetic is quite captivating also, with their use of off-the-wall color palettes, truly making their product and magazine something to rave over.
Palm oil-free makeup
Over the next week, we will be sharing my sit-down with Magdalena as we discuss beauty routines, hair products, and skincare products for those wishing to partake in the palm-oil free lifestyle. And with the holidays right around the corner, Mag suggests some top beauty products right now that will make perfect gifts for your friends and loved ones.
Eye Shadow: Shiro Cosmetics
Shiro Cosmetics is known for their products being incredibly versatile, affordable, and bright. Many of their eyeshadows can be dupes for MAC products, so yes, you can save the world while not forgetting entirely about your beloved big name makeup brands. Their eyeshadows can also be mixed with lip gloss to create various shades. Best part: you get two items for the price of one. Note that not all of Shiro’s eyeshadows are confirmed to be palm-oil free, only the ones without magnesium stearate.
Lips: Axiology
For lips, Axiology is the way to go. Smooth, silky, and moisturizing, it does it all. Coming in a vast array of colors, this lipstick brand is for the natural who wants to start a gradual palm oil-free lifestyle. The Enlighten shade is a perfect periwinkle for the fall.
Face: Root
For face products such as bronzers and foundations, Root is the way to go. Often times in the vegan and palm oil-free industries, foundation colors are geared towards lighter shades, essentially erasing representation for darker toned women to be environmentalists. Root solves a portion of this problem by offering over 41 different shades of mineral foundation for cool, warm, and neutral skin tones. Note that not all of Root’s products are palm oil-free but they are working on it. Look for the symbol on individual products or send them a quick email to double check.
For more information on where to find these products and for an extended list of beauty products that are palm oil-free and/or vegan, Check out Selva Beat.com, and stay tuned next week for an in-depth look at palm-oil free products for your skin!
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