Message in the mirror

The Tampa Tribune
May 28, 2009

When you swipe your favorite lipstick across your smackers, are you puckering up for a toxic kiss?

Tara Lee wants to make sure the answer to that questions is no. She doesn't want you to stop wearing lipstick, but she does want you to know what's in it.

Lee is founder of Best in Beauty, a locally-based Web site that sells natural cosmetics and skin-care products.

The company has launched "Labels for Life," a campaign to teach people how to read cosmetics labels so they avoid toxic ingredients - such as lead and mercury - that are not regulated by the FDA.

"Our goal is to make consumers aware of the lack of accountability in the cosmetics industry," says Lee, 37. "It's up to the FDA to provide the ultimate resolution by regulating the industry's products."

As part of its crusade, the Web site is urging consumers to take part in its "Message in a Mirror" photo album. Write a message to the FDA about toxic chemicals in lipstick, take a picture of your handiwork, and e-mail it to takeaction@bestinbeauty.com. The photos will be delivered to the FDA. Dozens of messages already have been sent to the Web site.

The top five images will be used in a national advertising campaign.

Lee said women don't have to sacrifice smoochable lips. They just need to read the ingredients in their lipstick - much like they do nutrition labels.

"Chemicals that go onto the body are often absorbed into the body," Lee said. "We want to teach women how to make an educated decision about their cosmetic choices."

For information, visit www.bestinbeauty.com.

Tampa Tribune on the Web: http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/may/28/280000/local-initiatives-are-stylish---and-safe/life/